CVE-2018-17873 in WiFiRanger
Summary
by MITRE
An incorrect access control vulnerability in the FTP configuration of WiFiRanger devices with firmware version 7.0.8rc3 and earlier allows an attacker with adjacent network access to read the SSH Private Key and log in to the root account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
This vulnerability resides in the wireless network infrastructure devices manufactured by WiFiRanger, specifically affecting firmware versions 7.0.8rc3 and earlier. The flaw represents a critical access control weakness that fundamentally undermines the security posture of these network appliances. The vulnerability stems from improper configuration of the File Transfer Protocol service within the device's firmware, creating an unintended pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic materials. The issue is particularly concerning because it requires only adjacent network access, meaning an attacker needs to be physically present within the wireless network range to exploit the vulnerability, yet the attack vector remains highly effective due to the sensitive nature of the compromised data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a misconfiguration in how the FTP service handles file access permissions, specifically allowing unauthorized users to retrieve SSH private keys stored on the device. This misconfiguration creates a direct path to root-level access through the SSH service, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in access control mechanisms, aligning with CWE-284 which describes improper access control in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of privilege escalation through information disclosure, where an attacker can leverage the compromised SSH private key to establish unauthorized root access to the device, effectively compromising the entire network infrastructure controlled by the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected WiFiRanger devices. Once an attacker obtains the SSH private key, they can establish persistent root access to the device, potentially using it as a foothold for further network infiltration. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through network infrastructure. The implications are severe as these devices typically serve as network access points, and their compromise can lead to broader network penetration, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network environment. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of unauthorized network access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to versions that address this access control flaw, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit adjacent network access. Network administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all affected devices and ensure proper access controls are implemented on the FTP service. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary services, implementing proper network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, and establishing robust key management practices for SSH private keys. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management and regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and monitoring for suspicious FTP activity as part of their overall security posture improvement efforts.