CVE-2017-2186 in Home Spot Cube2
Summary
by MITRE
HOME SPOT CUBE2 firmware V101 and earlier allows an attacker to bypass authentication to load malicious firmware via WebUI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2186 affects the HOME SPOT CUBE2 device firmware version 101 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized firmware loading through the web user interface. This represents a significant weakness in the device's authentication mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass legitimate access controls and potentially execute malicious code on the affected hardware. The vulnerability specifically targets the web-based management interface, which serves as the primary point of interaction for administrators to configure and manage the device settings.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate authentication checks within the firmware update process. When users attempt to upload new firmware through the web interface, the system fails to properly validate the authenticity of the uploaded file or the credentials of the requesting user. This authentication bypass allows an attacker with network access to the device to directly load malicious firmware without proper authorization, effectively compromising the device's integrity and security posture. The vulnerability manifests as a failure in input validation and access control enforcement, which aligns with CWE-285: Improper Authorization and CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers to gain full control over the affected device. Once an attacker successfully loads malicious firmware, they can modify the device's behavior, potentially redirecting network traffic, capturing sensitive information, or using the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The web-based nature of the interface means that attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability remotely, especially if the device is exposed to untrusted networks or the internet. This vulnerability directly impacts the device's ability to maintain secure operations and can compromise the broader network security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from the vendor to address the authentication bypass issue. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments and monitor for suspicious firmware update activities. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on unusual firmware upload attempts or changes to device configurations. Additionally, administrators should verify that only authorized personnel have access to the web management interface and that strong authentication mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper access controls and input validation in network device management interfaces, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1547 for Boot or Logon Autostart Execution. Regular security assessments and firmware update procedures should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future device deployments.