CVE-2024-28052 in WBR-6012
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2024
The WBR-6012 is a wireless SOHO router. It is a low-cost device which functions as an internet gateway for homes and small offices while aiming to be easy to configure and operate. In addition to providing a WiFi access point, the device serves as a 4-port wired router and implements a variety of common SOHO router capabilities such as port forwarding, quality-of-service, web-based administration, a DHCP server, a basic DMZ, and UPnP capabilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2024
The WBR-6012 wireless SOHO router represents a common class of network infrastructure devices that bridge home and small office environments to the internet while providing multiple connectivity options including wireless access points, wired Ethernet ports, and various administrative features. This device operates as a critical gateway component in residential and small business networks, handling essential functions such as network address translation, firewall services, and dynamic host configuration protocol management. The router's design emphasizes ease of use and cost-effectiveness while maintaining standard SOHO networking capabilities including port forwarding, quality-of-service controls, web-based administration interfaces, DHCP services, DMZ configuration, and UPnP support. These features make the device a typical target for cyber threat actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in network infrastructure components that are often overlooked in security assessments due to their perceived low-risk nature.
The vulnerability present in the WBR-6012 router stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms within its web-based administration interface. This flaw allows unauthorized users to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain administrative access to the device without proper credentials. The technical implementation appears to contain insufficient sanitization of user inputs passed to internal system functions, creating opportunities for injection attacks that can manipulate the device's operational parameters. The vulnerability likely exists in the handling of HTTP request parameters, form fields, or API endpoints used for administrative functions. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the device with elevated privileges, potentially allowing them to modify network configurations, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the local network environment. The issue represents a classic authentication bypass vulnerability that can be exploited through various methods including parameter manipulation, session hijacking, or credential stuffing attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass significant network security implications for organizations and individuals using the device. Once compromised, the router can serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within the local network, allowing attackers to scan internal systems, redirect traffic through malicious endpoints, or establish persistent backdoors for continued access. The device's role as an internet gateway means that compromise can result in complete network exposure to external threats, potentially affecting all connected devices including IoT systems, workstations, and servers. Network administrators may experience service disruption if attackers modify critical routing parameters or disable essential network functions. The vulnerability also poses risks to data confidentiality and integrity as attackers can potentially intercept, modify, or exfiltrate network traffic passing through the compromised device. Organizations relying on this router for network security may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if the device's compromise leads to data breaches or unauthorized network access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by the manufacturer, which typically address the underlying authentication bypass mechanisms and implement proper input validation procedures. Network administrators should disable unnecessary services such as UPnP and remote administration features when not actively required, as these components often represent additional attack vectors. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to identify unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts that may indicate exploitation of the vulnerability. Network segmentation techniques can help limit the potential impact if the device is compromised, ensuring that even if the router is breached, attackers cannot easily move laterally to other network segments. Security configurations should enforce strong authentication practices including complex passwords, multi-factor authentication where possible, and regular credential rotation. The implementation of network access control lists and firewall rules can further restrict access to the router's administrative interfaces to only trusted IP addresses and authorized personnel. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing of their network infrastructure to identify similar weaknesses in other devices that may be susceptible to similar exploitation techniques. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of applying security patches promptly and maintaining comprehensive inventory management of network devices to ensure all components receive appropriate security updates and monitoring.