CVE-2017-9136 in Client Radios
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Mimosa Client Radios before 2.2.3. In the device's web interface, there is a page that allows an attacker to use an unsanitized GET parameter to download files from the device as the root user. The attacker can download any file from the device's filesystem. This can be used to view unsalted, MD5-hashed administrator passwords, which can then be cracked, giving the attacker full admin access to the device's web interface. This vulnerability can also be used to view the plaintext pre-shared key (PSK) for encrypted wireless connections, or to view the device's serial number (which allows an attacker to factory reset the device).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9136 represents a critical security flaw in Mimosa Client Radios devices running firmware versions prior to 2.2.3. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the device's web interface, specifically in how the system handles GET parameters during file download operations. The flaw allows unauthorized attackers to exploit a path traversal vulnerability that bypasses normal access controls, enabling them to retrieve any file from the device's filesystem with root-level privileges. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the device's authorization mechanisms and demonstrates a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerability as classified under CWE-22.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted GET parameter that, when processed by the web interface, allows arbitrary file access without proper authentication or authorization checks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to extract sensitive information including administrator passwords stored in MD5 hash format without salt, which significantly reduces the time and computational resources required for password cracking attacks. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access through web application attacks, where attackers can harvest credentials from exposed application interfaces. The lack of input sanitization creates a path traversal condition that enables access to the device's internal filesystem, potentially exposing configuration files, network credentials, and other sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to device administration capabilities. The ability to retrieve plaintext pre-shared keys for wireless networks compromises the security of connected wireless infrastructure, while access to device serial numbers enables factory reset operations that can completely compromise device integrity. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a complete backdoor into the device, allowing them to maintain persistent access and potentially escalate their privileges within connected network environments. The exposure of unsalted password hashes creates a significant risk for network security, as these can be rapidly cracked using rainbow table attacks or brute force methods, particularly given the predictable nature of many administrator passwords. The vulnerability also enables attackers to gain complete control over device configuration settings, potentially allowing them to modify network parameters, disable security features, or redirect network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9136 require immediate firmware updates to version 2.2.3 or later, which address the input sanitization issues and implement proper access controls for file download operations. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures including network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to device management interfaces, and regular security audits of network equipment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, as highlighted in CWE-116 and CWE-79, which emphasize the need for proper sanitization of user inputs to prevent code injection and information disclosure attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns to device management interfaces, as well as establishing robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all network infrastructure components. The incident underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments in network equipment to prevent similar issues from compromising network security infrastructure.