CVE-2016-4822 in CG-WLBARGL
Summary
by MITRE
Corega CG-WLBARGL devices allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2024
The CVE-2016-4822 vulnerability affects Corega CG-WLBARGL wireless access point devices, representing a critical remote command execution flaw that enables authenticated attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability resides within the device's web interface handling mechanisms, where insufficient input validation and sanitization allow maliciously crafted requests to be processed and executed with elevated privileges. The issue stems from improper parameter handling in the device's management interface, creating a pathway for attackers who have already established authentication credentials to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the application layer and can be exploited by users who have already authenticated to the device, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that bypass normal authentication checks and execute malicious payloads within the device's operating environment. The affected Corega devices operate on embedded systems that typically lack robust input validation mechanisms, making them susceptible to exploitation through malformed parameters passed to system commands. This vulnerability type falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as it allows for both remote code execution and potential privilege elevation within the device's operational context.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4822 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete device compromise and potential network infiltration. An attacker who gains access to the device can leverage the command execution capability to establish persistent backdoors, modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or even use the compromised device as a launch point for attacks against other networked systems. The vulnerability affects the device's core functionality by potentially rendering the network management interface unusable or providing unauthorized access to sensitive network information. Organizations relying on Corega CG-WLBARGL devices face significant risks including data exfiltration, network disruption, and potential lateral movement within their infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the network, and the authenticated requirement reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk of credential theft or insider threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4822 require immediate attention through firmware updates from Corega, as the vulnerability is inherent to the device's software implementation. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring of device management interfaces to detect unauthorized access attempts. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary services, implementing network segmentation, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the device's configuration and ensure that all authentication mechanisms remain secure. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network principles where device access is continuously verified and monitored, reducing the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and conducting regular security audits of network infrastructure components to prevent similar issues from compromising organizational security postures.