CVE-2016-7811 in CG-WLR300NX
Summary
by MITRE
Corega CG-WLR300NX firmware Ver. 1.20 and earlier allows an attacker on the same network segment to bypass access restriction to perform arbitrary operations via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2019
The CVE-2016-7811 vulnerability affects Corega CG-WLR300NX wireless routers running firmware versions 1.20 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the device's access control mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the router's firmware implementation and specifically targets the authentication and authorization processes that should prevent unauthorized users from accessing administrative functions. The flaw enables attackers who are already present on the same network segment to circumvent security controls that typically restrict access to sensitive configuration interfaces and management functions. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authentication or access control weaknesses that can be exploited through local network access.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of access restriction controls within the router's web-based management interface. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to bypass authentication mechanisms that should normally require valid credentials before granting access to administrative functions. This weakness allows unauthorized operations to be performed on the device, potentially enabling attackers to modify network configurations, change administrator passwords, disable security features, or access sensitive network data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal attack surface - simply being on the same network segment is sufficient to attempt exploitation, making it a prime target for local network-based attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for network security and integrity. Organizations relying on affected Corega routers may experience unauthorized access to their network infrastructure, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The ability to perform arbitrary operations means that attackers can modify routing tables, configure malicious network settings, or establish backdoors within the network. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through potential data exposure, integrity through unauthorized configuration changes, and availability through possible network disruption. The threat landscape for such vulnerabilities aligns with attack patterns identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 technique for Valid Accounts and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage compromised devices to execute malicious commands within the network.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through firmware updates provided by Corega. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to firmware versions that address the access restriction bypass issue, which typically includes implementing proper authentication checks and strengthening the web interface's authorization mechanisms. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities on the network segment where affected devices reside. Additionally, implementing network access controls such as MAC address filtering or network intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected firmware versions and ensure proper access controls are implemented for all network devices. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper network security practices to prevent exploitation of access control weaknesses that can lead to complete network compromise.