CVE-2020-10974 in WL-WN579G3
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Wavlink WL-WN579G3 - M79X3.V5030.180719 and WL-WN575A3 - RPT75A3.V4300.180801 devices, affecting a backup feature. A crafted POST request returns the current configuration of the device in cleartext, including the administrator password. No authentication is required.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-10974 represents a critical security flaw in Wavlink wireless networking equipment, specifically affecting models WL-WN579G3 and WL-WN575A3. This issue stems from an insecure backup feature implementation that exposes sensitive configuration data without any authentication requirements. The vulnerability manifests through a crafted POST request that allows unauthorized users to extract the complete device configuration, including administrative credentials, in plain text format. This represents a fundamental failure in access control mechanisms and data protection practices within the device's web interface.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) categories, demonstrating how insufficient input validation and weak access controls can lead to severe information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the device's configuration management interface where backup and restore functionality is implemented. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply sending a specially crafted HTTP POST request to the device's web server, bypassing any authentication mechanisms that should normally protect administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for affected organizations and individuals. Once exploited, attackers gain immediate access to administrative credentials, enabling them to take complete control of the affected wireless access points. This includes the ability to modify network configurations, implement malicious settings, monitor network traffic, and potentially establish persistent access points for further attacks. The cleartext exposure of administrator passwords violates fundamental security principles and creates an immediate risk for network compromise, particularly in environments where these devices are deployed without proper network segmentation or additional security controls.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments and apply firmware updates from Wavlink when available. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure configuration management practices and proper input validation in embedded web interfaces. Mitigation strategies should include disabling unnecessary backup features, implementing strong network access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. This vulnerability also highlights the need for adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the OWASP Top Ten, particularly focusing on secure configuration management and authentication controls. Network administrators should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious POST requests and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing unauthenticated configuration access.