CVE-2023-47422 in TX9
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2024
An access control issue in /usr/sbin/httpd in Tenda TX9 V1 V22.03.02.54, Tenda AX3 V3 V16.03.12.11, Tenda AX9 V1 V22.03.01.46, and Tenda AX12 V1 V22.03.01.46 allows attackers to bypass authentication on any endpoint via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw in the web administration interface of several Tenda wireless router models, specifically affecting versions including TX9 V1 V22.03.02.54, AX3 V3 V16.03.12.11, AX9 V1 V22.03.01.46, and AX12 V1 V22.03.01.46. The flaw exists within the httpd daemon executable located at /usr/sbin/httpd, which serves as the primary web server component for device management and configuration. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication checks that fail to validate user credentials across all endpoints, creating a persistent backdoor for unauthorized access. This issue falls under CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization within software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning. The flaw allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely by constructing specific URL parameters that circumvent the normal login process, effectively granting full administrative access to the affected devices without requiring valid credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic broken access control pattern where the web server fails to properly enforce authentication requirements across its entire endpoint spectrum. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that directly access administrative functions without presenting valid login credentials, leveraging the absence of proper session validation or authentication token verification. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include complete device compromise, as administrative privileges allow attackers to modify network configurations, change DNS settings, access connected devices, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the web server's security architecture, where authentication checks are either completely absent or improperly implemented, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass all security controls. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects multiple device models from the same vendor, suggesting a systemic issue in the software development lifecycle rather than an isolated incident.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations and individuals who rely on these devices for network security. Once exploited, attackers gain complete control over the affected routers, which serve as critical network gateways and security boundaries. This compromise can lead to man-in-the-middle attacks, DNS hijacking, traffic interception, and the potential for lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability enables attackers to modify firewall rules, configure port forwarding, and establish unauthorized network connections, all while remaining undetected by normal monitoring systems. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability facilitates techniques such as T1566 for credential harvesting and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage, allowing for extensive reconnaissance and exploitation activities. The widespread nature of affected models suggests that numerous devices across different network environments may be vulnerable, potentially creating large-scale attack vectors.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from Tenda, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and enhanced monitoring of network traffic for suspicious URL patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the dangers of insufficient authentication enforcement in network infrastructure devices. Security teams should conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify potentially compromised devices and implement network access controls to prevent lateral movement. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the need for regular security testing of network infrastructure components and the importance of vendor security advisories in maintaining network security posture. The flaw serves as a reminder of the critical security implications of access control vulnerabilities in embedded systems and the necessity of robust authentication mechanisms in all network-facing services.