CVE-2021-35296 in PTCL HG150-Ub
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2021
An issue in the administrator authentication panel of PTCL HG150-Ub v3.0 allows attackers to bypass authentication via modification of the cookie value and Response Path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-35296 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the PTCL HG150-Ub v3.0 router firmware. This issue specifically targets the administrator authentication panel, which serves as the primary gateway for system configuration and management access. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the authentication process, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain administrative privileges without proper credentials. The affected device operates under a web-based management interface that relies on cookie-based session management to maintain user authentication states, creating a pathway for exploitation through manipulation of session tokens.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the modification of cookie values and manipulation of response paths within the authentication framework. Attackers can craft malicious cookie values that appear legitimate to the system's validation mechanisms, effectively impersonating authenticated administrators. The response path manipulation component allows adversaries to redirect authentication flows or modify the expected response sequences that the system uses to validate user credentials. This dual approach of cookie manipulation and response path modification creates a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass multiple layers of authentication controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the session management level, where the system's trust model is fundamentally compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains full administrative control over the router, enabling them to modify network configurations, implement malicious routing rules, install backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive network information. The PTCL HG150-Ub v3.0 device serves as a critical network gateway, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on it for internet connectivity and network management. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring physical access to the device, and the exploitation process can be automated, making it a significant threat vector for both individual users and enterprise networks. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering, as it enables unauthorized access through manipulated session tokens.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from PTCL to address the authentication bypass mechanisms. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to management interfaces, and monitoring for suspicious cookie modifications or unusual authentication patterns. The implementation of stronger session management practices, including secure cookie attributes such as HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite flags, would significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms where possible, and establish regular vulnerability assessment programs to identify similar issues in other network infrastructure devices. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized access attempts and anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate cookie manipulation or path response exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper session management and authentication validation in network devices, emphasizing that even minor implementation flaws in authentication systems can lead to complete system compromise.