CVE-2024-3080 in ZenWiFi XT8
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
Certain ASUS router models have authentication bypass vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to log in the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3080 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting specific ASUS router models that has significant implications for network security and device management. This vulnerability resides within the authentication mechanisms of affected router firmware, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote attackers to gain administrative access to network infrastructure without proper credentials. The flaw manifests in the router's web interface authentication process, where insufficient validation allows malicious actors to bypass standard login procedures and assume full administrative control over the affected devices.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability stems from improper input validation and authentication flow implementation within the router's web server component. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific HTTP requests or manipulating authentication parameters that should normally require valid user credentials and session tokens. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be leveraged remotely, eliminating the need for physical access or local network presence. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts with the use of legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects multiple ASUS router models including but not limited to the RT-AC86U, RT-AC5300, and RT-AC3200 series, with affected firmware versions ranging from 3.0.0.4.380.35794 through 3.0.0.4.380.35920.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-3080 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as compromised routers can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration and malicious activities. Once authenticated, attackers can modify router configurations, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, implement DNS hijacking, or establish persistent backdoors for future access. Network administrators lose control over their gateway devices, potentially leading to data exfiltration, man-in-the-middle attacks, or disruption of network services. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected devices from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations and home users who may not be actively monitoring their network infrastructure for signs of compromise. Additionally, compromised routers can be used to launch attacks against other networked devices or serve as command and control nodes in larger botnet operations, amplifying the initial security breach.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-3080 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from ASUS, which include patches addressing the authentication bypass mechanism. Network administrators must also implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised devices and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication attempts or unusual network traffic patterns. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary remote management features, implementing strong authentication for any remaining access points, and conducting thorough network audits to identify potentially compromised devices. Organizations should also consider deploying network access control measures and monitoring for unauthorized changes to router configurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware across all network infrastructure components and demonstrates how authentication flaws can serve as critical attack vectors in modern network security architectures. Security teams should also prepare incident response plans that account for router compromise scenarios and establish procedures for identifying and remediating affected devices through systematic network scanning and vulnerability assessment protocols.