CVE-2020-14101 in AX1800
Summary
by MITRE • 01/14/2021
The data collection SDK of the router web management interface caused the leakage of the token. This affects Xiaomi router AX1800rom version < 1.0.336 and Xiaomi route RM1800 root version < 1.0.26.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14101 represents a critical security flaw in the data collection software development kit embedded within Xiaomi router web management interfaces. This issue stems from improper handling of authentication tokens within the router's firmware, specifically affecting models including the Xiaomi router AX1800 and RM1800 devices. The vulnerability manifests through the router's web management interface where sensitive authentication tokens are inadvertently exposed during data collection operations, creating a significant security risk for users who rely on these networking devices for their home or small office environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure design of the data collection SDK component that processes user authentication information. When users interact with the router's web management interface, the SDK fails to properly sanitize or secure authentication tokens before transmitting them to remote servers or logging them in accessible locations. This flaw allows attackers to potentially intercept these tokens through network monitoring or by exploiting other related vulnerabilities within the same system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as exposure of sensitive information and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1552 for unsecured credentials. The affected firmware versions indicate that this was a widespread issue affecting multiple router models within Xiaomi's product line, specifically those running firmware versions prior to 1.0.336 for AX1800 models and 1.0.26 for RM1800 models.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as authentication tokens represent the primary means of securing access to router management interfaces. When these tokens are exposed, attackers can gain unauthorized administrative access to the affected routers, potentially leading to complete network compromise. This includes the ability to modify router configurations, install malicious firmware, redirect traffic through malicious servers, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The compromised router can then serve as a pivot point for attacks against other devices on the local network, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple devices rely on the same router for internet connectivity. Additionally, the exposure of these tokens may enable attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks against network traffic or manipulate the router's DNS settings to redirect users to malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Xiaomi to address the insecure token handling within the data collection SDK. Users should ensure their routers are updated to firmware versions 1.0.336 or later for AX1800 models and 1.0.26 or later for RM1800 models, as these versions contain patches specifically designed to address the token leakage issue. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring measures to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The implementation of network segmentation and the use of secure remote access methods such as VPNs can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces and implementing strong access controls including multi-factor authentication where possible. Regular security audits of network infrastructure should include verification of router firmware versions and assessment of authentication token handling mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.