CVE-2017-10852 in CG-WGR1200
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Corega CG-WGR1200 firmware 2.20 and earlier allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10852 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Corega CG-WGR1200 wireless router firmware version 2.20 and earlier. This issue resides in the network device's firmware implementation and creates a pathway for remote code execution that could be exploited by malicious actors. The buffer overflow vulnerability typically occurs when a program writes more data to a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that may allow attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack surface could encompass multiple entry points including network protocols, web interfaces, or administrative functions. This vulnerability affects a wide range of network infrastructure devices and poses significant risks to network security posture.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the firmware codebase of the Corega CG-WGR1200 router. When processing incoming network requests or administrative commands, the firmware fails to properly bounds-check data inputs before storing them in memory buffers. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The vulnerability manifests when attackers can manipulate input parameters to exceed buffer capacity, potentially leading to stack corruption, heap corruption, or other memory management issues that could be leveraged for code execution. The router's web management interface, command-line interfaces, or network protocol handlers likely serve as potential attack vectors where malformed input could trigger the overflow condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10852 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential network infiltration. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected system, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, or use of the compromised device as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where network devices are often exposed to external threats. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing commands through remote access capabilities, and T1071, which covers application layer protocols used for command and control communications. Organizations with affected devices face risks including unauthorized network access, service disruption, and potential data breaches that could compromise sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10852 primarily focus on firmware updates and network segmentation measures. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading the Corega CG-WGR1200 firmware to version 2.30 or later, which contains patches addressing the buffer overflow vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation and monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate compromise. Access controls should be strengthened through implementation of secure authentication mechanisms, disabling unnecessary services, and restricting administrative access to trusted networks only. Regular vulnerability assessments and network monitoring are essential to identify potentially affected devices and ensure proper patch management across all network infrastructure components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can detect exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. The remediation process should include thorough testing of firmware updates in controlled environments before deployment to production networks to prevent service disruption while addressing the security vulnerability effectively.