CVE-2017-11645 in 4GT101W
Summary
by MITRE
NetComm Wireless 4GT101W routers with Hardware: 0.01 / Software: V1.1.8.8 / Bootloader: 1.1.3 do not require authentication for logfile.html, status.html, or system_config.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11645 affects NetComm Wireless 4GT101W routers running specific firmware versions where the device fails to implement proper authentication mechanisms for critical system information pages. This represents a fundamental security flaw in the router's web-based management interface that exposes sensitive operational data to unauthenticated users. The affected hardware version 0.01 with software version V1.1.8.8 and bootloader version 1.1.3 demonstrates a clear failure in implementing basic access controls that should be mandatory for any network device handling system configuration information.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically representing an improper access control implementation where the router's web interface does not require authentication for accessing critical system information pages. The exposed pages including logfile.html, status.html, and system_config.html contain sensitive operational data that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain insights into the network configuration, device status, and system logs. The absence of authentication requirements for these pages constitutes a critical security oversight that violates fundamental security principles for network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows any remote attacker to access detailed system information without requiring valid credentials. The logfile.html page typically contains system logs and operational events that could reveal network traffic patterns, device behavior, and potential security incidents. The status.html page provides real-time system status information including network connections, bandwidth usage, and device performance metrics. The system_config.html page exposes the device's configuration parameters which could include network settings, user credentials, and other sensitive configuration data. This exposure creates a substantial risk for network administrators who may not be aware of the vulnerability, potentially leading to unauthorized access to network resources and information disclosure.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance phase where adversaries gather information about target systems. The lack of authentication requirements makes this a low-effort attack vector that could be automated, allowing attackers to quickly enumerate system information and identify potential attack surfaces. Network security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of their baseline security assessments for embedded network devices, particularly those running older firmware versions where such security flaws are more commonly observed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper authentication controls even for internal system pages that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the authentication weakness in the web interface. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to unauthorized users. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices should include verification of authentication requirements for all web-based management interfaces. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to these types of pages can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for vendors to implement proper security controls in embedded devices and for users to maintain updated firmware versions to protect against known security flaws.