CVE-2017-7315 in HG100R
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Humax Digital HG100R 2.0.6 devices. To download the backup file it's not necessary to use credentials, and the router credentials are stored in plaintext inside the backup, aka GatewaySettings.bin.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7315 affects Humax Digital HG100R 2.0.6 routers and represents a critical security flaw in the device's backup functionality. This issue stems from improper access controls that allow unauthorized users to download system backup files without requiring authentication credentials. The flaw exists within the router's web interface implementation where the backup download mechanism lacks proper authorization checks, creating an entry point for malicious actors to access sensitive system information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves plaintext credential storage within the backup file itself, specifically within the GatewaySettings.bin file. This design flaw directly violates security best practices and represents a classic example of insecure data handling as classified under CWE-312. When users attempt to download their router's backup configuration, the system automatically provides access to the complete backup file without requiring any form of authentication or authorization verification. The backup file contains all system credentials in plaintext format, making them immediately accessible to anyone who can obtain the file through the unauthenticated download mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker who gains access to the backup file can immediately extract administrator credentials and other sensitive configuration data, enabling full system compromise. This vulnerability allows for persistent access to the network infrastructure and can be leveraged for various malicious activities including lateral movement, data exfiltration, and establishment of backdoors. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can exploit the exposed credentials to maintain long-term access to the compromised network.
The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft, as the backup file may contain additional sensitive information including network configuration details, device-specific settings, and potentially other system parameters that could aid in further exploitation. This vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor implementation of access control mechanisms. The flaw can be exploited by attackers at the network level without requiring physical access or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous for home and small office networks where such devices are commonly deployed. Organizations and individuals using affected routers should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates, network segmentation, and disabling unnecessary services to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
This vulnerability serves as a prime example of how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks, particularly in consumer-grade networking equipment where security considerations are often secondary to functionality. The exposure of plaintext credentials in backup files highlights the importance of proper encryption and access control implementation in network devices, as outlined in various security standards and best practices for embedded system security.