CVE-2022-48165 in WL-WN530H4
Summary
by MITRE • 02/03/2023
An access control issue in the component /cgi-bin/ExportLogs.sh of Wavlink WL-WN530H4 M30H4.V5030.210121 allows unauthenticated attackers to download configuration data and log files and obtain admin credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48165 represents a critical access control flaw within the Wavlink WL-WN530H4 M30H4.V5030.210121 wireless router firmware. This issue specifically affects the /cgi-bin/ExportLogs.sh component which serves as a script interface for exporting system logs and configuration data. The flaw stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms that fail to properly verify user credentials before granting access to sensitive system information. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any valid login credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses all standard authentication protocols that should normally protect administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through a lack of proper input validation and authentication checks within the ExportLogs.sh script. When the script processes requests, it fails to perform essential authorization verification steps that would normally confirm whether the requesting user possesses administrative privileges. This weakness allows any remote attacker to craft malicious requests that directly invoke the script functionality, enabling them to download sensitive information including system configuration files, user credentials, and detailed system logs. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard network protocols, making it accessible to attackers with basic network connectivity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw gain access to administrative credentials, which provides them with complete control over the affected router. This includes the ability to modify network settings, change administrator passwords, install malicious firmware, and potentially establish persistent access points within the network. The exposure of configuration data reveals network topology information, IP address ranges, and potentially other sensitive system parameters that could be leveraged for further attacks. Additionally, log files often contain timestamps, user activities, and system events that provide valuable intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated infiltration strategies. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability maps directly to improper access control issues that allow unauthorized users to access protected resources, while ATT&CK framework classification places it under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing with the potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Wavlink to address the authentication bypass issue, along with network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces. Organizations should implement strict access controls that require multi-factor authentication for administrative functions, disable unnecessary services, and monitor network traffic for suspicious patterns indicating exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to access the vulnerable ExportLogs.sh script. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network components, as this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient authentication controls can lead to complete system compromise. The remediation process should also include changing all default passwords and implementing strong authentication policies to prevent unauthorized access to network devices.