CVE-2019-11320 in CX2
Summary
by MITRE
In Motorola CX2 1.01 and M2 1.01, users can access the router's /priv_mgt.html web page to launch telnetd, as demonstrated by the 192.168.51.1 address.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11320 affects Motorola CX2 1.01 and M2 1.01 router firmware versions, representing a critical security flaw that exposes unauthorized administrative access to network devices. This vulnerability resides in the web-based management interface of these routers, specifically within the /priv_mgt.html page which serves as a privileged management endpoint. The flaw allows any authenticated user to execute a command that launches the telnet daemon on the device, effectively creating an unauthorized backdoor access mechanism. This represents a significant bypass of the device's security model, as legitimate administrative functions are being exposed to users who should not have such elevated privileges. The vulnerability manifests through a direct web interface interaction where users can trigger the telnetd process, enabling remote command execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls within the router's web management interface. The /priv_mgt.html page lacks proper authentication checks and authorization mechanisms to ensure that only legitimate administrators can execute privileged operations. When a user accesses this specific page, the system fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses the appropriate administrative credentials or role permissions. This flaw allows for privilege escalation through a simple web interface interaction that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables an attacker to gain persistent remote access to the device through the launched telnet daemon, which typically operates on port 23 and provides a command shell interface to the underlying operating system. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software applications and systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with persistent remote command execution capabilities on affected network infrastructure. Once telnetd is launched, attackers can establish connections to the device using standard telnet clients, bypassing normal network security controls and gaining full administrative access to the router's operating system. This access enables attackers to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, monitor network communications, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where routers serve as critical network infrastructure components, as it can facilitate lateral movement and provide attackers with persistent access to internal network resources. The exposure of telnetd on the default address 192.168.51.1 creates an easily discoverable attack vector that significantly reduces the effort required for exploitation.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1021 for remote services, as it enables attackers to establish persistent remote access through the telnet protocol. The vulnerability also represents a failure of the principle of least privilege, where users are granted more access than necessary for their intended role. Network security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack surface management strategies, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor access control flaws can create significant security risks in network infrastructure devices. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and monitoring for unauthorized telnet connections. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web-based management interfaces, particularly for network infrastructure devices that are often deployed in unattended environments where they may be more vulnerable to exploitation. This flaw underscores the critical need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure components and proper security hardening practices to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.