CVE-2018-8755 in WR644GACV
Summary
by MITRE
NuCom WR644GACV devices before STA006 allow an attacker to download the configuration file without credentials. By downloading this file, an attacker can access the admin password, WPA key, and any config information of the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2020
The NuCom WR644GACV wireless router device presents a critical security vulnerability in versions prior to STA006 that allows unauthenticated remote access to sensitive configuration data. This vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's web interface, specifically affecting the configuration file download functionality. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and obtain comprehensive device configuration information without requiring any valid credentials or authentication tokens. The affected devices operate under the assumption that configuration file access should be restricted to authorized administrative users, but the implementation fails to enforce proper access controls, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the device's security posture.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient authentication where the device fails to verify the identity of users attempting to access sensitive configuration data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly accessing the configuration file download endpoint through standard network protocols, typically HTTP or HTTPS, without presenting any authentication credentials. The configuration file contains critical information including administrative passwords, wireless network keys, and other sensitive device parameters that are normally protected from unauthorized access. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for attackers to gain complete visibility into the device's operational parameters and security settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, providing attackers with comprehensive access to network infrastructure controls. Once the configuration file is downloaded, attackers gain access to administrative credentials that can be used to modify device settings, disable security features, or redirect network traffic. The WPA keys contained within the configuration file enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to wireless networks managed by the compromised device, potentially allowing them to establish persistent access to the network. Additionally, the configuration file may contain network topology information, IP address ranges, and other sensitive operational data that can be leveraged for further attacks within the network environment. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a complete blueprint for the affected device's network presence and operational configuration.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK framework technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts. The vulnerability enables attackers to achieve persistent access through compromised administrative credentials obtained from the configuration file. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched STA006 firmware version or higher, implementing network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious configuration file access patterns. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to device management interfaces, and regularly audit device configurations to identify any unauthorized changes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication implementation and highlights the critical need for regular firmware updates and security assessments of network infrastructure devices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data.