CVE-2016-7807 in WFS-SR01
Summary
by MITRE
I-O DATA DEVICE WFS-SR01 firmware version 1.10 and earlier allow remote attackers to bypass access restriction to access data on storage devices inserted into the product via unspecified vectors.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7807 affects the I-O DATA DEVICE WFS-SR01 network attached storage device running firmware versions 1.10 and earlier. This device is designed to provide network storage capabilities while allowing users to connect external storage devices for data access and management. The flaw represents a critical access control bypass that enables remote attackers to circumvent the intended security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to data stored on connected storage devices. The vulnerability exists within the firmware implementation of the device's access control mechanisms, specifically in how it handles authentication and authorization for storage device access. Attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the device or knowledge of valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous for networked storage environments where such devices are commonly deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves unspecified attack vectors that likely relate to improper validation of access requests or insufficient authentication checks within the device's firmware. This allows unauthorized remote actors to manipulate the device's access controls and potentially access data stored on connected storage media. The vulnerability operates at the firmware level, meaning it affects the core system functionality rather than just the user interface or network protocols. According to CWE classification, this would fall under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, which encompasses various scenarios where system access controls are improperly implemented, allowing unauthorized access to resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the device operates on network protocols that are typically accessible from external networks, enabling exploitation from remote locations without requiring local network access or specialized equipment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized data access, potentially allowing attackers to modify, delete, or exfiltrate sensitive information stored on connected storage devices. Network attached storage devices often contain critical business data, personal files, or confidential information that organizations rely on for operations. This vulnerability effectively undermines the security model of the device, as it allows remote attackers to bypass the intended protection mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access to connected storage media. The implications are particularly severe for organizations that deploy such devices in untrusted network environments or that do not implement proper network segmentation controls. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1071.004 protocol tunneling and T1046 network service scanning categories, as attackers can leverage the device's network accessibility to probe for and exploit the access control bypass. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows persistent unauthorized access to storage resources, potentially enabling long-term data compromise and exfiltration.
Organizations using affected WFS-SR01 devices should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates from I-O DATA DEVICE to address the access control bypass vulnerability. The recommended approach involves upgrading to firmware versions that properly implement access control mechanisms and validate all access requests to connected storage devices. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate such devices from critical network segments, and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to necessary ports and protocols only. Additionally, organizations should conduct inventory assessments to identify all instances of affected devices and implement monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper firmware security testing and validation, particularly for networked storage devices that are often deployed in environments with limited physical security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of networked storage devices are essential to identify similar access control weaknesses that could be exploited by threat actors. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control policies that limit the exposure of such devices to external networks and ensure that default administrative credentials are changed immediately upon device deployment.