CVE-2023-3548 in IQ Wifi 6
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2023
An unauthorized user could gain account access to IQ Wifi 6 versions prior to 2.0.2 by conducting a brute force authentication attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3548 represents a critical authentication weakness in IQ Wifi 6 devices running firmware versions prior to 2023.02.02. This security flaw enables unauthorized users to gain account access through brute force authentication attacks, fundamentally compromising the device's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient account lockout mechanisms and weak authentication policies that fail to adequately protect against repeated login attempts. The affected devices operate under a default configuration that does not implement adequate rate limiting or account lockout procedures, creating an exploitable window for malicious actors to systematically guess valid credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of repeated authentication attempts. The flaw manifests when the system fails to implement proper account lockout mechanisms after a predetermined number of failed authentication attempts. Attackers can leverage automated tools to conduct systematic brute force campaigns against the device's authentication interface, exploiting the lack of protective measures such as account lockout thresholds, temporary account disablement, or IP address tracking. This weakness creates a direct path for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to network management interfaces, potentially allowing attackers to modify device configurations, access sensitive network data, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3548 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential for significant network compromise and data exfiltration. Once authenticated, attackers can manipulate network settings, potentially redirecting traffic, disabling security features, or establishing backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects devices that are commonly deployed in enterprise and industrial environments where network security is paramount, making the potential impact particularly severe. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and operational disruptions when these devices are compromised. The attack surface is further expanded as compromised devices can serve as entry points for lateral movement within networks, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive internal systems and data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates to version 2.0.2 or later, which addresses the authentication weakness through improved account lockout mechanisms. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including strong password policies, multi-factor authentication where possible, and regular monitoring of authentication logs for suspicious activity. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and network access controls can help identify and prevent brute force attack patterns. Organizations should also consider deploying temporary network segmentation measures to limit the potential impact of compromised devices while applying permanent fixes. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1110.003 (Brute Force: Password Guessing) and T1078.004 (Valid Accounts: Default Accounts) which emphasizes the importance of proper account management and authentication hardening measures. The vulnerability also relates to NIST SP 800-53 controls including AC-7 (Unsuccessful Logon Attempts) and AC-3 (Access Enforcement) which provide specific guidance for implementing account lockout mechanisms and access control policies.