CVE-2016-4823 in CG-WLBARAGM
Summary
by MITRE
Corega CG-WLBARAGM devices allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (reboot) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The CVE-2016-4823 vulnerability affects Corega CG-WLBARAGM wireless access point devices, representing a significant security flaw that enables remote attackers to trigger unauthorized device reboots. This vulnerability resides within the firmware of these network appliances, specifically targeting the device's handling of incoming network traffic or administrative requests. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist, potentially including malformed packets, unauthorized configuration changes, or exploitation of protocol implementation flaws within the device's network stack. Such a vulnerability undermines the reliability and availability of network infrastructure, as unauthorized parties can disrupt services by forcing device restarts. The impact extends beyond simple inconvenience, as repeated denial of service attacks can lead to extended network outages and compromise the overall stability of connected networks. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited access scope, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. The affected devices likely lack proper input validation and access control mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to exploit weaknesses in the firmware's processing of network requests. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting such attacks, as the reboots may appear as routine system restarts, masking the actual malicious activity. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means attackers do not require physical access or network proximity to execute successful attacks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such devices may be exposed to external networks. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the device's security architecture, as it provides an attack vector that can be leveraged to create persistent service disruptions and potentially facilitate more sophisticated attacks that exploit the temporary service unavailability. The vulnerability underscores the importance of firmware security and the need for robust input validation mechanisms in network infrastructure devices.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2016-4823 demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in embedded network devices can result in significant operational impacts. Attackers can potentially trigger device reboots through various network-based methods, including sending specially crafted packets that exploit buffer overflows, integer overflows, or improper state handling within the device's network processing components. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors indicates that the vulnerability may manifest through multiple pathways, making comprehensive patching and mitigation more challenging. These wireless access points typically operate in environments where network availability is critical, and unauthorized device restarts can lead to service interruptions that affect multiple users or connected systems. The vulnerability's presence in the device's core firmware components suggests that standard network security measures may not adequately protect against exploitation, as the attack occurs at a lower level within the device's operational stack. This type of vulnerability often stems from inadequate testing of firmware components against malicious inputs, particularly in resource-constrained embedded systems where security considerations may be secondary to functionality and cost optimization. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices are often deployed in unattended locations, making detection and response to successful attacks more difficult for network administrators.
Organizational impacts of CVE-2016-4823 extend beyond immediate service disruption to encompass broader security and operational concerns that can affect business continuity and network reliability. The vulnerability creates an environment where attackers can systematically degrade network services through repeated denial of service attacks, potentially causing cascading failures in network infrastructure that relies on these devices for connectivity. Network administrators face the challenge of maintaining service availability while managing the risk of unauthorized device reboots that can occur without warning or indication of compromise. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target multiple devices simultaneously, potentially creating widespread disruption across different network segments or geographic locations. Organizations may experience increased operational costs due to the need for emergency response procedures, device recovery processes, and potential service restoration efforts following successful attacks. The vulnerability also raises concerns about potential data loss or configuration changes that may occur during device reboots, particularly if the devices do not properly handle power loss or restart conditions. This type of vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as the temporary service unavailability may provide opportunities for attackers to establish persistence or conduct additional reconnaissance activities during the recovery period.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4823 should focus on immediate firmware updates and network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. Organizations must prioritize updating affected Corega CG-WLBARAGM devices with the latest firmware versions that address the vulnerability, as manufacturers typically release patches to resolve such issues. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the scope of potential attacks by restricting unauthorized network access to these devices, particularly through the implementation of firewalls and access control lists that prevent remote management access from untrusted networks. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to identify unusual traffic patterns or device behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Device hardening practices, including disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and restricting administrative access to authorized personnel only, can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation. Network administrators should also implement regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify other potentially vulnerable devices within their infrastructure that may share similar security weaknesses. The implementation of network access control protocols and secure remote management practices can help prevent unauthorized access to device management interfaces, while regular backup procedures ensure that configuration data and network settings can be restored quickly following any successful attack. Organizations should also consider implementing network behavior analysis tools that can detect anomalous device restart patterns or network traffic that may indicate exploitation attempts, providing early warning capabilities for potential security incidents. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining comprehensive inventory management and ensuring that all network devices, including embedded systems and IoT appliances, receive regular security updates and monitoring.