CVE-2017-12853 in RWR-3G-100
Summary
by MITRE
The RealTime RWR-3G-100 Router Firmware Version : Ver1.0.56 is affected by CSRF an attack that forces an end user to execute unwanted actions on a web application in which they're currently authenticated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2019
The CVE-2017-12853 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw present in the RealTime RWR-3G-100 router firmware version 1.0.56. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the router's web-based administration interface by tricking authenticated users into executing unintended administrative actions without their knowledge or consent. The flaw specifically affects the router's handling of web requests and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the authentication and request validation mechanisms implemented within the device's firmware.
The technical nature of this CSRF vulnerability stems from the absence of proper anti-forgery tokens or validation mechanisms in the router's web interface forms and API endpoints. When an authenticated user visits a malicious website or clicks on a crafted link, the attacker can construct HTTP requests that appear legitimate to the router's web server. These requests can modify router configuration settings, change administrative passwords, disable security features, or alter network parameters without the user's awareness. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the router's web administration interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard web browsers and common attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for both individual users and enterprise networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF flaw can gain unauthorized administrative control over the router, potentially leading to complete network compromise. The vulnerability allows for actions such as changing DNS settings to redirect traffic, modifying firewall rules to allow unauthorized access, resetting administrative credentials, or disabling security features. This can result in man-in-the-middle attacks, network traffic interception, unauthorized access to connected devices, and complete loss of network control. The attack requires only that a user be authenticated to the router's web interface, which is typically achieved through a simple login process, making the exploitation relatively straightforward and effective.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-12853 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from RealTime, as this vulnerability affects a specific firmware version that likely contains fixes for the CSRF implementation. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures including disabling web-based administration interfaces when possible, using strong authentication methods, implementing network segmentation, and monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in web applications, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1072 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, demonstrating the importance of proper input validation and request authentication. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting such vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices.