CVE-2018-0676 in BN-SDWBP3
Summary
by MITRE
BN-SDWBP3 firmware version 1.0.9 and earlier allows an attacker on the same network segment to bypass authentication to access to the management screen and execute an arbitrary command via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0676 affects the BN-SDWBP3 firmware versions 1.0.9 and earlier, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that exposes network management interfaces to unauthorized access. This vulnerability resides within the firmware implementation of a network device, specifically targeting the management screen access controls that should normally require proper authentication credentials. The flaw allows an attacker positioned within the same network segment to circumvent the authentication mechanism entirely, thereby gaining access to the device's management interface without legitimate authorization. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and violates fundamental network security assumptions that devices should only permit access to authorized personnel.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of authentication bypass, which is classified as CWE-287 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. This weakness represents a critical flaw in the authentication mechanism where the system fails to properly verify the identity of users attempting to access protected resources. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may stem from improper input validation, weak session management, or flawed access control logic within the firmware implementation. The fact that this vulnerability operates within the same network segment indicates that it exploits local network access rather than requiring remote exploitation, making it particularly concerning for environments where network segmentation is not properly enforced.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0676 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete administrative access to the affected device. Once authenticated, an attacker can execute arbitrary commands on the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or use of the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The ability to execute arbitrary commands represents a critical escalation path that allows attackers to modify device configurations, install malicious software, or redirect network traffic. This vulnerability directly violates the security principle of defense in depth, as it bypasses the intended access controls that should protect network management interfaces from unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate firmware updates to versions that address the authentication bypass flaw, as well as network segmentation measures to prevent unauthorized local network access. Organizations should implement proper network access controls and monitor for suspicious management interface access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion categories, where attackers can leverage such flaws to maintain persistent access and avoid detection. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual management interface activity and establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure firmware development practices and proper authentication implementation in network devices.