CVE-2017-10853 in CG-WGR1200
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Corega CG-WGR1200 firmware 2.20 and earlier allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10853 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Corega CG-WGR1200 wireless router firmware version 2.20 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the firmware implementation of the network device, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over the affected hardware. The buffer overflow condition occurs when the device processes input data that exceeds the allocated memory buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description indicate that the attack surface encompasses multiple potential exploitation pathways within the router's firmware processing logic. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution, making it particularly dangerous in network infrastructure devices.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and memory management practices within the Corega firmware codebase. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious input packets or commands that trigger the buffer overflow condition during normal device operation. When the vulnerable firmware encounters oversized data in specific processing functions, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program execution elements such as return addresses or function pointers. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow to attacker-controlled code, effectively allowing remote code execution on the affected router. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as the successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised device. Network-based attacks can originate from external sources without requiring physical access to the device, making the attack vector particularly concerning for network administrators.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10853 extends beyond immediate device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures. Compromised routers can serve as launching points for broader network attacks, including lateral movement, data exfiltration, or redirection of network traffic through malicious proxy configurations. The vulnerability's presence in firmware versions 2.20 and earlier means that a significant portion of deployed Corega CG-WGR1200 devices remain at risk, particularly in enterprise environments where legacy device management practices may delay firmware updates. Network administrators face the challenge of identifying affected devices within their infrastructure and implementing remediation measures while minimizing service disruption. The vulnerability's severity classification as critical indicates that immediate action is required to prevent exploitation, as the potential for widespread compromise exists when multiple affected devices are present in the same network segment. This type of vulnerability also impacts network security posture by creating persistent backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10853 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves updating the firmware to versions that contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition, which typically include enhanced input validation and proper memory boundary checking. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of exploitation, particularly by restricting administrative access to affected devices. Regular firmware update policies and device inventory management are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from accumulating within network infrastructure. Network monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual command execution or network traffic redirection. Security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for similar buffer overflow conditions in other network devices and firmware components. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can help prevent unauthorized remote access to affected devices while maintaining legitimate network functionality. Device-specific mitigations may include disabling unnecessary services and features, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security audits to identify potential attack vectors. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, ensuring rapid response to potential compromises.