CVE-2017-6044 in AirLink Raven XE
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Authorization issue was discovered in Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven XE, all versions prior to 4.0.14, and AirLink Raven XT, all versions prior to 4.0.11. Several files and directories can be accessed without authentication, which may allow a remote attacker to perform sensitive functions including arbitrary file upload, file download, and device reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6044 represents a critical improper authorization flaw affecting Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven XE and AirLink Raven XT industrial networking devices. This weakness stems from insufficient access controls that permit unauthenticated remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions and data. The affected devices operate in industrial environments where network security is paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure deployments. The issue manifests through the exposure of multiple system directories and files that should remain protected behind proper authentication mechanisms, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise these network appliances.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a fundamental failure in the authentication process where the device fails to properly verify user credentials before granting access to sensitive operational functions. This improper authorization allows attackers to bypass standard security controls and directly access administrative interfaces, file systems, and system configuration areas. The vulnerability specifically enables unauthorized file upload capabilities, which can be leveraged to deploy malicious code or modify system files, alongside file download functions that can extract sensitive configuration data or system information. Additionally, the exposure of device reboot functionality provides attackers with the capability to perform denial-of-service attacks or potentially trigger specific system behaviors that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6044 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code on affected devices through the file upload functionality. This capability could enable attackers to establish persistent access, modify network configurations, or even compromise the entire industrial network segment controlled by these devices. The vulnerability affects devices operating in critical infrastructure environments where AirLink Raven XE and XT models are commonly deployed for remote network connectivity and industrial control systems. The lack of authentication for sensitive functions creates a pathway for attackers to potentially disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, or gain a foothold for lateral movement within industrial networks. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, significantly increasing the attack surface and reducing the effectiveness of traditional network security controls.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the vendor-provided firmware updates that address the authorization flaws in the affected device versions. Organizations should immediately upgrade their AirLink Raven XE devices to version 4.0.14 or later and AirLink Raven XT devices to version 4.0.11 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to these devices from untrusted networks, although this approach provides only partial protection given the remote nature of the vulnerability. Regular security audits of industrial network devices should include verification of authentication mechanisms and access controls to prevent similar issues from occurring. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization, and represents a significant concern for industrial control systems under the MITRE ATT&CK framework where adversaries can leverage such weaknesses to establish persistence and escalate privileges within operational technology environments. Organizations should also implement continuous monitoring of their industrial networks to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments to identify similar authorization flaws in other network equipment.