CVE-2018-13109 in Broadband Router
Summary
by MITRE
All ADB broadband gateways / routers based on the Epicentro platform are affected by an authorization bypass vulnerability where attackers are able to access and manipulate settings within the web interface that are forbidden to end users (e.g., by the ISP). An attacker would be able to enable the TELNET server or other settings as well.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2024
This vulnerability affects ADB broadband gateways and routers that utilize the Epicentro platform, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of consumer and enterprise network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the web-based management interface of these devices, allowing unauthorized individuals to bypass normal user restrictions and gain access to administrative functions that should be restricted to legitimate administrators or service providers. The flaw specifically enables attackers to manipulate configuration settings that are typically protected from end-user access, creating a significant risk for network security and device integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the authentication and authorization framework of the Epicentro platform's web interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness to access restricted administrative functions without proper credentials or authorization, potentially enabling them to modify critical network settings, enable remote access services such as TELNET server, and manipulate other sensitive configuration parameters. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems, and represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege that should govern access to network device management interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent remote access to affected devices and potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. By enabling TELNET server functionality, attackers can gain command-line access to the device, which serves as a gateway for further exploitation and lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for service providers who rely on these devices for their network infrastructure, as it allows malicious actors to manipulate network configurations, potentially disrupting services, stealing data, or using the compromised devices as entry points for broader attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072, which covers software deployment using remote services, and T1021.001, which involves remote services such as telnet.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from ADB and device vendors, as well as network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces. Organizations should implement strict access controls and disable unnecessary services such as TELNET, while also monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to device management interfaces. Network administrators should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual access patterns to device management interfaces and establishing regular security audits of network infrastructure will help prevent exploitation of this authorization bypass vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust access control implementations in network infrastructure devices and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of embedded systems within enterprise and consumer networks.