CVE-2020-14461 in Armor X1 WAP6806
Summary
by MITRE
Zyxel Armor X1 WAP6806 1.00(ABAL.6)C0 devices allow Directory Traversal via the images/eaZy/ URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2024
The Zyxel Armor X1 WAP6806 wireless access point running firmware version 1.00(ABAL.6)C0 contains a critical directory traversal vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the device filesystem. This vulnerability resides within the web interface's handling of the images/eaZy/ URI endpoint, which fails to properly validate or sanitize user input. The flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious requests that can traverse the directory structure and retrieve sensitive files from the device's storage, potentially exposing system configuration data, authentication credentials, or other confidential information.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the device's web management interface, which is typically accessible over the network. Attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access or authentication, making it a severe security risk for network infrastructure devices. The specific URI path images/eaZy/ suggests that the vulnerability may be related to how the device handles image file requests or administrative image processing functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure. An attacker who successfully exploits this directory traversal flaw could potentially access configuration files that contain administrative passwords, network credentials, or other sensitive system data. Depending on the device's file structure and permissions, the attacker might also be able to retrieve firmware images, system logs, or other files that could aid in further exploitation. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to network security as it allows unauthorized access to critical device information that could be used to escalate privileges or compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could use the retrieved information to craft more sophisticated attacks against the network. Network defenders should consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to these devices and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious URI patterns. The device manufacturer should release a firmware update that properly sanitizes input parameters and implements proper path validation. Additionally, administrators should ensure that the device is not exposed to untrusted networks and that access to the management interface is restricted through proper network controls and authentication mechanisms.
The security implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in embedded network devices. Many organizations deploy wireless access points without adequate security considerations, leaving them vulnerable to attacks that could compromise the entire network. This vulnerability demonstrates that even seemingly simple web interface components can contain critical security flaws that expose sensitive system information. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their network infrastructure devices and ensure that firmware updates are applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities. The lack of proper input validation in this case represents a fundamental security flaw that could have been prevented through adherence to secure coding standards and proper security testing procedures during the development lifecycle.