CVE-2017-17747 in TL-SG108E
Summary
by MITRE
Weak access controls in the Device Logout functionality on the TP-Link TL-SG108E v1.0.0 allow remote attackers to call the logout functionality, triggering a denial of service condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2019
The CVE-2017-17747 vulnerability resides within the TP-Link TL-SG108E v1.0.0 network switch device, specifically targeting its Device Logout functionality. This weakness represents a critical access control flaw that enables remote attackers to exploit the system's authentication mechanisms without proper authorization. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user credentials and session management within the device's web interface, allowing unauthorized entities to manipulate the logout process and disrupt normal network operations. The affected device operates with a web-based management interface that fails to properly authenticate requests attempting to invoke the logout function, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the absence of proper authentication checks before executing the logout procedure. When a remote attacker sends a crafted request to the device's logout endpoint, the system processes this request without verifying the sender's authorization status. This design flaw allows attackers to trigger the logout functionality at will, potentially causing the device to reset its network connections and terminate active sessions. The underlying issue is rooted in the device's failure to implement proper session management controls and authentication validation, which violates fundamental security principles for network device management interfaces. This weakness aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates how inadequate session handling can lead to denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17747 extends beyond simple service disruption, potentially compromising network availability and stability. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the affected switch to become temporarily inaccessible to authorized administrators, effectively creating a denial of service condition that impacts network connectivity for all connected devices. Network administrators may experience complete loss of management access to the device, requiring manual intervention to restore normal operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple switches may be vulnerable, as it could enable attackers to systematically compromise network infrastructure components. This vulnerability also represents a potential stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as the temporary service disruption may be used to mask other malicious activities or create opportunities for further exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from TP-Link to address the specific access control weakness in the logout functionality. Network segmentation and firewall rules can be configured to restrict access to the device's management interface, limiting exposure to unauthorized networks. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication where possible, enhances protection against unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in network infrastructure components. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious logout activity and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous access patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 for valid accounts and T1499 for endpoint denial of service, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both authentication weaknesses and service availability concerns.