CVE-2023-41350 in NOKIA G-040W-Q
Summary
by MITRE • 11/03/2023
Chunghwa Telecom NOKIA G-040W-Q has a vulnerability of insufficient measures to prevent multiple failed authentication attempts. An unauthenticated remote attacker can execute a crafted Javascript to expose captcha in page, making it very easy for bots to bypass the captcha check and more susceptible to brute force attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41350 affects the Chunghwa Telecom NOKIA G-040W-Q device, representing a critical weakness in authentication security mechanisms. This device operates as a wireless router or access point within telecommunications infrastructure, making it a potential target for cyber adversaries seeking unauthorized network access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate rate limiting and session management controls that govern authentication attempts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security measures. The flaw specifically impacts the device's web-based management interface, which serves as the primary entry point for administrative configuration and monitoring activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the device's insufficient protection against repeated authentication attempts, which allows attackers to conduct automated brute force operations without effective deterrents. The weakness manifests when an unauthenticated remote attacker can manipulate the device's JavaScript functionality to bypass captcha validation mechanisms. This occurs because the device fails to properly enforce timing delays or account lockout procedures between failed login attempts, enabling rapid successive authentication requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the client-side validation processes that should prevent automated attack tools from exploiting the authentication system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent security risk for network infrastructure administrators. Attackers can leverage this weakness to systematically test numerous credential combinations, potentially gaining administrative control over the device and compromising the entire network segment it serves. The ability to bypass captcha validation significantly amplifies the effectiveness of automated attack tools, as bots can rapidly iterate through password dictionaries without encountering effective barriers. This vulnerability represents a failure in implementing proper account lockout mechanisms, which are fundamental to preventing credential stuffing and brute force attacks according to industry best practices.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a manifestation of CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for Brute Force Attacks. The device's failure to implement robust authentication throttling mechanisms creates a significant risk for organizations relying on this equipment for network infrastructure. Mitigation strategies should include implementing rate limiting controls, enforcing account lockout policies after multiple failed attempts, and ensuring proper JavaScript validation on the device's web interface. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces, implementing network segmentation, and regularly updating device firmware to address similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper authentication design principles and demonstrates how seemingly minor security oversights can create substantial risks for network infrastructure components.