CVE-2017-3216 in MediaTek
Summary
by MITRE
WiMAX routers based on the MediaTek SDK (libmtk) that use a custom httpd plugin are vulnerable to an authentication bypass allowing a remote, unauthenticated attacker to gain administrator access to the device by performing an administrator password change on the device via a crafted POST request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-3216 represents a critical authentication flaw affecting WiMAX routers that utilize MediaTek SDK platforms with custom httpd plugins. This issue stems from improper validation of authentication tokens within the router's web interface implementation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to escalate privileges without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability specifically targets devices running on MediaTek's software development kit that incorporate custom httpd modules, making it particularly relevant to a subset of enterprise and consumer networking equipment that relies on this particular platform architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted POST request that manipulates the password change functionality of the router's administrative interface. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify administrator passwords and subsequently gain full control over the device without prior authentication. The root cause lies in the insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the custom httpd plugin implementation, which fails to properly verify that the requesting user possesses valid administrative privileges before allowing password modification operations. This weakness allows attackers to bypass the normal authentication flow and directly manipulate administrative functions through the web interface.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security infrastructure as it enables complete device compromise from remote locations. Once exploited, attackers can gain unrestricted access to router configurations, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, network traffic interception, or use of the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects devices that are often deployed in enterprise environments where they serve as critical network gateways, making the potential impact on organizational security substantial. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target these devices from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or local network presence.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing via web applications. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from manufacturers, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for suspicious administrative access patterns. The recommended approach involves disabling unnecessary web administration interfaces, implementing strong access controls, and regularly updating router firmware to address known vulnerabilities in MediaTek SDK implementations. Network administrators should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts and establish baseline behavioral patterns for router administration activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.