CVE-2022-34573 in WiFi-Repeater
Summary
by MITRE • 07/26/2022
An access control issue in Wavlink WiFi-Repeater RPTA2-77W.M4300.01.GD.2017Sep19 allows attackers to arbitrarily configure device settings via accessing the page mb_wifibasic.shtml.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2022
The CVE-2022-34573 vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw in the Wavlink WiFi-Repeater RPTA2-77W.M4300.01.GD.2017Sep19 device firmware, which falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and weak authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of the wireless repeater, specifically exposing the mb_wifibasic.shtml page that handles basic wireless configuration parameters. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to directly access and manipulate core device settings without proper authorization, fundamentally undermining the device's security posture and creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control enforcement within the device's web server component. When an attacker accesses the mb_wifibasic.shtml page, the system fails to properly authenticate or authorize the request, allowing arbitrary configuration changes to be applied to the device. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-285: Improper Authorization, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1078.004: Valid Accounts - SSH, where attackers exploit weak access controls to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a network device that typically operates in residential or small office environments where security monitoring may be limited, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent network access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as attackers can potentially establish persistent network access points, modify wireless network parameters, or create backdoor access to the local network. This access control failure enables attackers to manipulate the device's wireless settings, potentially disrupting network connectivity, creating unauthorized access points, or redirecting traffic through malicious configurations. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain secure network operations and can lead to broader network compromise, especially when the repeater is integrated into larger network infrastructures. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability supports techniques such as T1046: Network Service Scanning and T1566: Phishing, where attackers can use compromised devices as stepping stones for further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-34573 should include immediate firmware updates from Wavlink if available, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of network monitoring to detect unauthorized configuration changes. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly auditing device configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation in embedded systems and demonstrates why device manufacturers must prioritize security by design principles. Additionally, network administrators should implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities on wireless networks and establish baseline configurations that can quickly identify unauthorized changes to device settings. The exposure of this vulnerability also underscores the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices and the importance of maintaining current firmware versions to protect against known security flaws.