CVE-2017-11495 in PHICOMM
Summary
by MITRE
PHICOMM K2(PSG1218) devices V22.5.11.5 and earlier allow unauthenticated remote code execution via a request to an unspecified ASP script; alternatively, the attacker can leverage unauthenticated access to this script to trigger a reboot via an ifType=reboot action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11495 affects PHICOMM K2(PSG1218) wireless routers running firmware versions V22.5.11.5 and earlier. This represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the device without requiring any credentials or authentication. The vulnerability stems from an insecure implementation within an unspecified ASP script that processes incoming requests from remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, specifically when security mechanisms fail to properly restrict access to system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specially crafted HTTP requests sent to the affected device's web interface. Attackers can directly invoke the vulnerable ASP script to execute arbitrary commands on the router's operating system, effectively providing them with complete control over the device. The vulnerability also permits attackers to trigger a system reboot by specifying an ifType=reboot action parameter, which can be used for denial-of-service attacks or as a precursor to more sophisticated exploitation techniques. This dual capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows both persistent unauthorized access and disruption of service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for network security. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent backdoors on the affected routers, potentially using them as entry points for broader network infiltration. The unauthenticated nature means that any remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring prior knowledge of login credentials or network access. This creates a significant risk for both individual users and enterprise networks, as compromised routers can serve as pivoting points for attacking internal systems, intercepting network traffic, or conducting man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability affects devices that are commonly deployed in residential and small office environments where network security awareness may be limited.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must be implemented immediately given its critical severity. The primary and most effective solution is to update the firmware to the latest version that contains patches for this vulnerability. Users should check the PHICOMM website for firmware updates specifically addressing CVE-2017-11495 and apply these updates as soon as possible. Network administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling remote administration features when not required, implementing strong firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web interface, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network devices. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1072 which addresses application deployment, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands on the compromised device. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain current threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about similar vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices.