CVE-2020-8798 in RX4-1500
Summary
by MITRE
httpd in Juplink RX4-1500 v1.0.3-v1.0.5 allows remote attackers to change or access router settings by connecting to the unauthenticated setup3.htm endpoint from the local network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8798 affects the Juplink RX4-1500 router firmware versions 1.0.3 through 1.0.5, representing a critical security flaw in the web-based administration interface. This issue stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the httpd web server component, specifically exposing the setup3.htm endpoint without proper access controls. The vulnerability allows remote attackers who can reach the device from within the local network to manipulate router configuration settings without requiring any authentication credentials, fundamentally compromising the device's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the httpd service running on the affected Juplink routers, where the setup3.htm page fails to enforce proper authentication checks before allowing access to sensitive configuration parameters. This flaw represents a classic example of insufficient authentication controls, which maps directly to CWE-287 - Improper Authentication and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts to maintain access within the network environment. The exposed endpoint essentially provides an unrestricted administrative interface that enables attackers to modify network settings, potentially redirecting traffic, changing DNS configurations, or altering security policies without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent backdoor within the network infrastructure. Attackers who gain access through this vulnerability can manipulate routing tables, change firewall rules, modify user accounts, and potentially establish persistent access points within the local network. This represents a significant risk to network security, as the compromised device becomes a potential launch point for further attacks against internal systems, enabling lateral movement and privilege escalation within the network environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require external network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it easily exploitable by threat actors with basic network connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Juplink to address the authentication flaw, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, and deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized configuration changes. Organizations should also enforce strict access controls for administrative interfaces, implement multi-factor authentication where possible, and conduct regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication design in embedded systems and highlights the need for manufacturers to implement robust security controls throughout the device lifecycle, as specified in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network access control policies that restrict direct access to administrative interfaces from untrusted networks and establish baseline configuration monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to router settings.