CVE-2017-17411 in WVBR0
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Linksys WVBR0. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the web management portal. The issue lies in the lack of proper validation of user data before executing a system call. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code with root privileges. Was ZDI-CAN-4892.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2024
The CVE-2017-17411 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Linksys WVBR0 wireless broadband routers that fundamentally undermines the device's security posture. This vulnerability resides within the web management portal of the affected device, making it particularly dangerous as it eliminates the need for authentication to exploit the flaw. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing system calls. This design oversight creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that execute with the highest privilege level available on the device, effectively granting attackers root access to the underlying operating system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories, specifically addressing command injection flaws where user input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or validation. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute system commands through the web interface. The absence of authentication requirements places this vulnerability in a particularly dangerous category, as it allows for automated exploitation without requiring any prior access credentials or network reconnaissance. The web management portal serves as the attack surface where the vulnerability manifests, making it accessible through standard HTTP/HTTPS protocols that are commonly used for router administration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected router. With root privileges, an attacker can modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, install backdoors, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability is especially concerning in enterprise environments where wireless routers serve as critical network infrastructure components, potentially enabling lateral movement attacks or serving as a persistent access point for attackers. The lack of authentication requirements means that this vulnerability can be exploited by anyone with network access to the affected device, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17411 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Linksys to address the underlying command injection flaw. Network administrators must implement network segmentation to isolate critical devices and reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. The deployment of intrusion detection systems can help identify suspicious traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts, while regular network monitoring should focus on unusual outbound connections that might indicate compromised devices. Additionally, implementing network access controls such as firewalls and access control lists can limit exposure to the vulnerable web management portal. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary services and features on affected devices, particularly the web management interface, when not actively required for administration purposes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper security practices in embedded systems, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and prompt patch management procedures to prevent similar issues from arising in other network infrastructure components.