CVE-2017-16885 in LM53Q1
Summary
by MITRE
Improper Permissions Handling in the Portal on FiberHome LM53Q1 VH519R05C01S38 devices (intended for obtaining information about Internet Usage, Changing Passwords, etc.) allows remote attackers to look for the information without authenticating. The information includes Version of device, Firmware ID, Connected users to device along their MAC Addresses, etc.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16885 represents a critical improper permissions handling flaw in FiberHome LM53Q1 VH519R05C01S38 devices that operate as network management portals. This device serves as a gateway for users to access internet usage information and perform administrative functions such as password changes, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls that allow remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and obtain sensitive information directly from the device's portal interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through weak permission controls within the device's web interface, where sensitive data exposure occurs without proper authentication. Attackers can exploit this flaw to retrieve comprehensive device information including firmware version details, firmware identification numbers, and active user connections with associated MAC addresses. This information gathering capability enables adversaries to perform reconnaissance activities and potentially identify specific vulnerabilities associated with particular firmware versions or device models. The flaw essentially creates an information disclosure channel that bypasses normal authentication protocols, allowing unauthorized access to network configuration data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant security risks as it provides attackers with detailed insights into their network infrastructure. The exposure of device firmware versions and identification numbers enables threat actors to conduct targeted attacks against known vulnerabilities specific to those firmware releases. Additionally, the disclosure of connected users and their MAC addresses provides valuable intelligence for network mapping and social engineering attacks. This information can be leveraged to plan more sophisticated attacks, including man-in-the-middle operations or targeted credential theft attempts. The vulnerability essentially undermines the device's role as a security gateway by creating an unauthorized access point to network information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from FiberHome to address the permission handling flaw, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring of unauthorized access attempts to the device portal. Security teams must also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all affected devices and implement proper access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity frameworks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1069 (Permission Groups Discovery) as attackers can enumerate device information and user connections without proper authentication. The risk assessment should consider both the immediate exposure of sensitive information and the potential for subsequent exploitation through information gathering activities that could lead to more serious compromise scenarios.