CVE-2018-11316 in Wireless Speaker
Summary
by MITRE
The UPnP HTTP server on Sonos wireless speaker products allow unauthorized access via a DNS rebinding attack. This can result in remote device control and privileged device and network information to be exfiltrated by an attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11316 represents a critical security flaw in Sonos wireless speaker products that leverages DNS rebinding techniques to bypass access controls. This vulnerability specifically affects the UPnP HTTP server component that runs on these audio devices, creating an unauthorized access vector that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of DNS resolution within the device's network services, allowing malicious actors to manipulate DNS responses and gain access to the device's administrative interfaces. The UPnP protocol implementation on these Sonos devices fails to properly authenticate requests or validate the source of incoming connections, creating a pathway for attackers to execute unauthorized operations. This vulnerability directly violates security principles related to network boundary protection and access control enforcement.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on DNS rebinding attacks, which manipulate DNS resolution to redirect traffic from legitimate domains to local network addresses. This attack technique specifically targets the device's DNS handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass the normal network security boundaries that would typically prevent remote access to internal device services. When an attacker successfully executes this attack, they can gain full administrative control over the Sonos device, enabling them to manipulate audio playback, access device configuration settings, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive network information. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed from outside the local network, making it particularly dangerous for consumer devices that are often deployed in home environments with limited security monitoring. The vulnerability essentially transforms a normally secure device into an accessible attack vector that can be leveraged for further network exploration and lateral movement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable sophisticated attack scenarios including persistent surveillance, network reconnaissance, and potential command and control operations. Attackers can use the compromised Sonos devices as stepping stones to target other networked devices, potentially gaining access to connected computers, smartphones, or other IoT devices within the same network segment. The exfiltration of privileged device and network information creates risks for user privacy and network security, as the attacker can potentially access device-specific configuration data, network credentials, or other sensitive information. This vulnerability particularly affects the security posture of home networks where Sonos devices are commonly deployed, as these environments typically lack the sophisticated network monitoring and access control mechanisms found in enterprise environments. The attack can be executed without requiring specialized tools or deep technical knowledge, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11316 should focus on network segmentation, firewall configuration, and device firmware updates. Organizations and users should implement network access controls that restrict communication with UPnP services to trusted network segments and block external access to these services. The most effective long-term solution involves updating the Sonos device firmware to versions that address the DNS rebinding vulnerability and implement proper authentication mechanisms for UPnP services. Network administrators should also consider disabling UPnP services on devices that do not require them, particularly in environments where security is a primary concern. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper output sanitization, and relates to ATT&CK techniques involving network service scanning and credential access. Regular security assessments should include verification that UPnP services are properly configured and that DNS handling mechanisms are secure against manipulation attacks. Device manufacturers should implement robust input validation and authentication controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future product deployments, ensuring that network services cannot be easily compromised through DNS-based attacks.