CVE-2024-4232 in DG-GR1321
Summary
by MITRE • 05/14/2024
This vulnerability exists in Digisol Router (DG-GR1321: Hardware version 3.7L; Firmware version : v3.2.02) due to lack of encryption or hashing in storing of passwords within the router's firmware/ database. An attacker with physical access could exploit this by extracting the firmware and reverse engineer the binary data to access the plaintext passwords on the vulnerable system.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow the attacker to gain unauthorized access to the targeted system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2024
This vulnerability in the Digisol DG-GR1321 router represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate credential storage practices within the device firmware. The vulnerability specifically affects hardware version 3.7L with firmware version v3.2.02 and demonstrates a fundamental failure in cryptographic implementation for password handling. The absence of proper encryption or hashing mechanisms during password storage creates a direct pathway for unauthorized access when attackers obtain physical possession of the device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials). An attacker with physical access can extract the router's firmware image and perform reverse engineering operations to locate stored credentials within the binary data. This process typically involves examining memory segments, configuration files, and database structures where passwords are persistently stored in plaintext format. The vulnerability's impact is significantly amplified by the fact that it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls are insufficient.
The operational consequences of successful exploitation extend far beyond simple unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface. Once an attacker obtains plaintext passwords, they can leverage these credentials to gain full administrative control over the network device, potentially leading to complete network compromise. This vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that remains viable even after firmware updates, as the plaintext credentials are embedded within the firmware image itself. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 (Data from Local System) and T1078 (Valid Accounts), as it exploits legitimate administrative credentials to establish unauthorized access.
The security implications of this vulnerability highlight significant gaps in embedded device security design and implementation practices. Modern security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-63B and ISO/IEC 27001 emphasize the importance of cryptographic protection for sensitive data including passwords and authentication credentials. The Digisol router's failure to implement proper password hashing or encryption mechanisms violates fundamental security principles and demonstrates the critical need for robust credential management in network infrastructure devices. Organizations utilizing these routers face heightened risk of network infiltration, data breaches, and potential lateral movement attacks within their infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate hardware replacement or firmware updates where available, though the nature of the vulnerability suggests that such solutions may be limited. Network segmentation and additional access controls should be implemented to reduce the attack surface when physical security cannot be guaranteed. The vulnerability underscores the importance of supply chain security and the need for comprehensive security testing of network infrastructure devices. Organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should include physical security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network equipment.