CVE-2024-28754 in RaspAP
Summary
by MITRE • 03/09/2024
RaspAP (aka raspap-webgui) through 3.0.9 allows remote attackers to cause a persistent denial of service (bricking) via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28754 affects RaspAP, a popular web-based graphical user interface for Raspberry Pi devices that enables configuration and management of wireless networks and services. This web interface is widely deployed in IoT environments and small-scale network infrastructure setups where Raspberry Pi devices serve as access points, routers, or network management hubs. The vulnerability exists within the web application's request handling mechanism, specifically in how it processes incoming HTTP requests from remote attackers without proper input validation or sanitization.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper request validation and sanitization within the RaspAP web interface codebase. When a remote attacker crafts a specially designed HTTP request and sends it to the vulnerable system, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters. This processing flaw creates a condition where the application becomes vulnerable to persistent denial of service attacks that can result in complete system bricking. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can reach the device's network interface. The lack of input validation means that malicious payloads can be injected directly into the application's processing pipeline, potentially causing memory corruption, stack overflow conditions, or other exploitable states that lead to system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially permanent system damage. When successfully exploited, the crafted requests can cause the Raspberry Pi device to become unresponsive or require complete reinstallation of the operating system and RaspAP software. This bricking effect renders the device inoperable for its intended network management functions, requiring physical access for recovery or complete replacement of the hardware. Organizations relying on RaspAP for network infrastructure management face significant operational risks, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely and does not require specialized knowledge or tools to execute. The impact is particularly severe in environments where network access points or management systems are deployed in remote or hard-to-reach locations, where physical intervention may be costly or impossible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28754 should focus on immediate patching of the affected RaspAP version 3.0.9 and earlier, as vendors have released updates addressing the input validation flaws. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to the RaspAP web interface to trusted IP addresses only, while also ensuring that the web interface is not exposed to untrusted networks or the internet. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a significant risk in the ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Execution and Persistence. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns or attempted exploitation attempts, as well as maintaining regular backup procedures and recovery protocols to minimize downtime in case of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple management interfaces can contain critical security flaws when not properly secured.