CVE-2021-38474 in IR615
Summary
by MITRE • 10/19/2021
InHand Networks IR615 Router's Versions 2.3.0.r4724 and 2.3.0.r4870 have has no account lockout policy configured for the login page of the product. This may allow an attacker to execute a brute-force password attack with no time limitation and without harming the normal operation of the user. This could allow an attacker to gain valid credentials for the product interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-38474 affects InHand Networks IR615 routers running specific firmware versions 2.3.0.r4724 and 2.3.0.r4870. This weakness represents a critical security flaw in the authentication mechanism of the device's web interface, where the absence of account lockout policy creates an exploitable condition that significantly undermines the device's security posture. The vulnerability stems from the lack of implementation for account lockout functionality that would normally prevent repeated failed authentication attempts, which is a fundamental security control recommended in multiple industry frameworks including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms within the router's authentication system. When an attacker attempts to log in with incorrect credentials repeatedly, there is no system in place to temporarily or permanently lock the account after a predetermined number of failed attempts. This allows for unlimited brute-force attacks with no time restrictions, making credential guessing attacks highly effective and efficient. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-307 - "Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts" which specifically addresses the lack of protection against automated authentication attacks. The absence of such controls creates a persistent attack surface that remains accessible to malicious actors without any built-in defensive mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the router's management interface. Once valid credentials are obtained through brute-force methods, attackers can gain full administrative control over the device, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, install malicious firmware, redirect traffic, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not cause any disruption to legitimate users during the attack, as the normal operation of the device remains unaffected while attackers silently attempt to gain access. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110 - "Brute Force" which describes methods used to guess credentials through automated attacks without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-38474 should focus on implementing proper account lockout policies and rate limiting mechanisms within the router's authentication system. Network administrators should immediately update to the latest firmware versions provided by InHand Networks that address this vulnerability, as vendors typically release patches to fix such security issues. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to isolate critical devices, using strong, unique passwords for all administrative accounts, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect unusual authentication patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-162, which emphasizes the need for robust authentication controls including account lockout mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to network devices. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication where possible and regularly audit their network device configurations to ensure that basic security controls are properly implemented.