CVE-2018-9232 in WIFI Repeater BE126
Summary
by MITRE
Due to the lack of firmware authentication in the upgrade process of T&W WIFI Repeater BE126 devices, an attacker can craft a malicious firmware and use it as an update.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2020
The CVE-2018-9232 vulnerability affects T&W WIFI Repeater BE126 devices where the firmware upgrade process lacks proper authentication mechanisms. This critical security flaw stems from the absence of cryptographic verification during firmware updates, allowing malicious actors to potentially compromise device integrity and functionality. The vulnerability resides in the device's firmware update protocol implementation, creating an attack surface where unauthorized firmware modifications can be seamlessly installed without proper validation.
This weakness represents a fundamental failure in the device's security architecture, specifically violating principles of secure firmware management and integrity verification. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Issues" and more specifically aligns with CWE-312 for "Sensitive Data Exposure" and CWE-327 for "Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm." The absence of firmware authentication creates a path for attackers to exploit the device's update mechanism through techniques such as man-in-the-middle attacks or direct firmware injection, enabling potential remote code execution or complete device compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device manipulation to encompass broader network security implications. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain persistent access to the network infrastructure, potentially using the compromised repeater as a pivot point for lateral movement within the network. This represents a significant risk to enterprise and home network security, as the device becomes a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" and T1071 for "Application Layer Protocol" when attackers leverage compromised devices for network reconnaissance or command execution.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper firmware authentication mechanisms including digital signatures and secure boot processes. Network administrators should consider disabling automatic firmware updates when possible and regularly monitor device behavior for signs of compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure device lifecycle management and proper cryptographic implementation in embedded systems. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized device modifications. Additionally, firmware updates should be verified through authenticated channels and the device should implement proper firmware integrity checking before installation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure firmware development practices and the need for robust authentication mechanisms in all network-connected devices, particularly those with update capabilities that could be exploited to gain persistent access to network infrastructure.