CVE-2017-10845 in Wi-Fi STATION L-02F
Summary
by MITRE
Wi-Fi STATION L-02F Software version V10g and earlier allows remote attackers to access the device with administrative privileges and perform unintended operations through a backdoor account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10845 affects Wi-Fi STATION L-02F devices running software version V10g and earlier, representing a critical backdoor account security flaw that enables remote attackers to gain administrative access to affected systems. This issue constitutes a severe compromise of device security architecture and represents a direct violation of fundamental security principles. The presence of an undocumented administrative account within the device firmware creates an inherent trust relationship that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms, allowing unauthorized parties to assume full control over the affected hardware. Such backdoor accounts are typically implemented for manufacturing, testing, or diagnostic purposes but are improperly left enabled in production environments, creating persistent security vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a hardcoded administrative account that exists within the device's firmware without proper access controls or authentication requirements. This backdoor account allows remote exploitation through network connections, eliminating the need for legitimate credentials or complex attack vectors. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the device's authentication service where the backdoor account is hardcoded and accessible to remote attackers. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-259, concerning the use of weak or hard-coded passwords. The operational impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the administrative privileges granted through this backdoor enable attackers to modify device configurations, install malicious firmware, monitor network traffic, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given that it affects wireless networking equipment, which typically serves as a gateway or access point for network communications. Attackers exploiting this backdoor could manipulate network traffic, create unauthorized access points, or use the compromised device to launch attacks against other systems within the network. The remote nature of the exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, significantly expanding the attack surface and reducing the effectiveness of physical security measures. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts, specifically focusing on the use of default or backdoor accounts for persistence and privilege escalation. The compromised device could serve as a persistent foothold within the network, enabling long-term access and data exfiltration capabilities. Network administrators should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where compromised network infrastructure devices can lead to significant data breaches and operational disruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10845 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the hardcoded backdoor account issue. Organizations must implement network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process requires careful consideration of the device's operational requirements, as disabling the backdoor account may also remove legitimate diagnostic capabilities that are essential for network maintenance. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other devices that may contain similar backdoor accounts or hardcoded credentials, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security implementation weaknesses. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized accounts or access mechanisms remain enabled on network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure software development practices, particularly around credential management and the proper handling of administrative access mechanisms in embedded systems.