CVE-2018-10577 in AP100
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on WatchGuard AP100, AP102, and AP200 devices with firmware before 1.2.9.15, and AP300 devices with firmware before 2.0.0.10. File upload functionality allows any users authenticated on the web interface to upload files containing code to the web root, allowing these files to be executed as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10577 represents a critical privilege escalation and remote code execution flaw affecting WatchGuard wireless access point devices including models AP100, AP102, AP200, and AP300. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the file upload functionality of the web interface, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code with root-level permissions. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices running firmware versions prior to 1.2.9.15 for AP100, AP102, and AP200 models, and before 2.0.0.10 for AP300 devices, making it a widespread issue affecting multiple generations of WatchGuard wireless infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation of file uploads within the web administration interface of these devices. When authenticated users upload files via the web interface, the system fails to adequately verify the file types or contents, allowing malicious users to upload files containing executable code. These uploaded files are placed in the web root directory, which means they become accessible through the web server and can be executed with the highest privileges available to the web server process. This design flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates a direct path for privilege escalation from authenticated user level to root level execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434, which specifically addresses Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, and represents a classic case of insecure file handling in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations utilizing WatchGuard wireless access points. An authenticated attacker who gains access to the web interface can upload malicious files that execute with root privileges, effectively providing complete system compromise. This allows for persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, network reconnaissance, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability enables attackers to establish long-term access to wireless infrastructure, potentially compromising all wireless communications and access points within the affected network. The root-level execution capability also means attackers can modify system configurations, install malicious software, disable security features, and potentially use the compromised devices as launch points for attacks against other network segments. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, making it a significant threat to network security posture.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to protect their wireless infrastructure. The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade all affected WatchGuard devices to firmware versions 1.2.9.15 or later for AP100, AP102, and AP200 models, and 2.0.0.10 or later for AP300 devices. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation to isolate wireless access points from critical network segments, disable unnecessary web interface access where possible, and implement strict access controls for the web administration interface. Regular monitoring of file upload activities and system logs should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file upload activities and anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping network infrastructure firmware updated and maintaining robust security practices for all network devices, particularly those with web administration interfaces.