CVE-2017-2280 in WN-AX1167GR
Summary
by MITRE
WN-AX1167GR firmware version 3.00 and earlier uses hardcoded credentials which may allow an attacker that can access the device to execute arbitrary code on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2280 affects the WN-AX1167GR device running firmware version 3.00 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the device's firmware implementation. This issue manifests through the use of hardcoded administrative credentials that remain unchanged regardless of device configuration or deployment environment, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by unauthorized parties with physical or network access to the device. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak credential management and hardcoding practices that violate fundamental security principles.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability resides in the firmware's design where default administrative credentials are embedded directly within the device software rather than being dynamically generated or securely stored. This hardcoded approach means that the same username and password combinations exist across all devices of this model and firmware version, making it trivial for attackers to gain administrative access once they can reach the device. The exploitation process typically involves identifying the hardcoded credentials through reverse engineering or by referencing publicly available information, followed by authentication and subsequent privilege escalation to execute arbitrary code. This represents a classic example of CWE-798 weakness in software security where sensitive information is stored in a manner that makes it accessible to anyone with access to the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete device compromise and potential network infiltration. Once an attacker gains administrative privileges, they can modify device configurations, install malicious firmware, redirect network traffic, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other networked systems. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where these devices may serve as network gateways or access points, potentially providing attackers with persistent access to critical infrastructure. The vulnerability also enables lateral movement attacks as described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 technique for valid accounts and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, allowing attackers to establish footholds within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2280 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions that address the hardcoded credential issue, as this represents the most effective solution to eliminate the vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit physical and network access to affected devices, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts or anomalous behavior patterns. Device administrators should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and ensure that default credentials are changed immediately upon device deployment. The remediation process should include implementing secure credential management practices that align with NIST SP 800-162 guidelines for managing device credentials and following the principle of least privilege to minimize the impact of potential compromise. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar hardcoded credential issues in other networked devices and firmware implementations.