CVE-2021-42889 in EX1200T
Summary
by MITRE • 06/03/2022
In TOTOLINK EX1200T V4.1.2cu.5215, an attacker can obtain sensitive information (wifikey, wifiname, etc.) without authorization.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-42889 affects the TOTOLINK EX1200T router model running firmware version V4.1.2cu.5215, representing a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized access to sensitive wireless network credentials. This issue stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's web management interface, enabling attackers to bypass normal access controls and extract confidential information including wifi key and wifi name parameters. The vulnerability manifests through a lack of proper input validation and session management, creating an exploitable path for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to wireless configuration data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in network devices. Attackers can leverage this weakness by directly accessing specific endpoints within the router's web interface without requiring valid credentials, potentially exploiting default configurations or weak authentication mechanisms. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the configuration management interface where wireless network parameters are stored and exposed. This represents a significant security gap that violates fundamental principles of network device security and access control as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-125 and ISO/IEC 27030.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the entire wireless network security posture of affected devices. Once attackers obtain the wifi key and wifi name, they can establish unauthorized connections to the network, potentially leading to data interception, man-in-the-middle attacks, and further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects both personal and enterprise users who may be unaware of the exposed credentials, creating persistent security risks that can remain undetected for extended periods. This weakness particularly impacts organizations relying on TOTOLINK devices for network infrastructure, as it undermines the integrity of their wireless security policies and creates potential entry points for advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from TOTOLINK to address the authentication bypass vulnerability, combined with network segmentation to limit the impact of credential exposure. Security administrators should implement network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish regular security audits of network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms as specified in MITRE ATT&CK framework category T1110 for credential access. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as network access control lists, wireless intrusion detection systems, and regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices. Device manufacturers should prioritize secure coding practices and thorough security testing before releasing firmware updates to prevent similar issues in future versions.