CVE-2018-15480 in WiFi Switch
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in myStrom WiFi Switch V1 before 2.66, WiFi Switch V2 before 3.80, WiFi Switch EU before 3.80, WiFi Bulb before 2.58, WiFi LED Strip before 3.80, WiFi Button before 2.73, and WiFi Button Plus before 2.73. The cloud API had a hidden parameter, which allowed an authenticated user to reconfigure the server URL for a device registered to their account. In combination with an insecure device registration vulnerability, this allowed an attacker to reconfigure a maliciously registered device to their own rogue replica of the myStrom API and issue commands to the device, including firmware update commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2020
This vulnerability in myStrom IoT devices represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of device management and communication within the Internet of Things ecosystem. The issue affects multiple product lines including WiFi switches, bulbs, LED strips, and buttons across different firmware versions, creating a widespread attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from a hidden API parameter that was not properly secured, allowing authenticated users to manipulate server URL configurations for devices within their account. This design flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor access control implementation, as it enables privilege escalation through legitimate authentication mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a specific attack pattern that combines multiple security weaknesses to achieve unauthorized device control. The hidden parameter functionality creates an unintended attack vector that bypasses normal device configuration procedures, allowing attackers to redirect device communications to malicious endpoints. When combined with an insecure device registration vulnerability, attackers can register devices under their control and then manipulate the device's server URL to point to their own rogue API servers. This creates a man-in-the-middle scenario where the attacker can intercept, modify, or redirect all device communications, including critical firmware update commands that can completely compromise device functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete device compromise and potential network infiltration. Attackers can execute arbitrary commands on affected devices, including firmware updates that can render devices inoperable or introduce backdoors for persistent access. The ability to issue firmware update commands represents a particularly dangerous aspect of this vulnerability, as it allows attackers to completely reprogram devices and potentially install malicious firmware that persists across reboots. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of IoT deployments and can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within networks, particularly in environments where IoT devices are used for critical infrastructure monitoring or control.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several CWE classifications including CWE-284 for improper access control and CWE-352 for cross-site request forgery, though the specific implementation creates unique attack vectors. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, enabling attackers to execute commands through the compromised device. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security engineering practices related to API design and parameter validation, highlighting the importance of proper input sanitization and access control mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, network segmentation, and monitoring for unauthorized device configuration changes, while also reviewing other IoT devices for similar hidden parameters that could create similar attack vectors.