Source: cret@cert.org
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability on Mediabridge Medialink MWN-WAPR300N devices with firmware 5.07.50 allows remote attackers to hijack the authentication of arbitrary users.
Mediabridge Medialink MWN-WAPR300N devices running firmware 5.07.50 are vulnerable to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack, allowing attackers to hijack user authentication and potentially gain complete control of the device. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized actions, such as changing device settings or gaining access to the network, without requiring direct user interaction.
Step 1: Victim Logged In: A user is logged into the vulnerable Mediabridge device's web interface.
Step 2: Attacker Crafting: An attacker crafts a malicious HTML page or email containing a hidden form. This form is designed to send a specific request to the device's web interface, such as a request to change the administrator password or modify network settings.
Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker lures the victim to visit the malicious HTML page or open the malicious email. This can be achieved through phishing, social engineering, or other means.
Step 4: Automatic Request Submission: When the victim's browser loads the malicious HTML page, the hidden form automatically submits a request to the vulnerable device. This request is sent with the victim's existing authentication cookies, allowing the attacker to impersonate the victim.
Step 5: Unauthorized Action: Because the device lacks CSRF protection, it processes the attacker's request as if it originated from the legitimate user. The attacker can then perform actions on the device, such as changing settings or gaining access to the network.
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the lack of CSRF protection within the web interface of the affected device. The device's web application fails to validate the origin of incoming requests. Specifically, the application does not implement any mechanisms to verify that a request originates from the user's legitimate session and not from a malicious website. This allows an attacker to craft a malicious HTML page or email containing a hidden form that, when loaded by a logged-in user, automatically submits a request to the device's web interface. The lack of proper authentication and authorization checks on sensitive actions allows an attacker to manipulate the device's configuration.
While no specific APT groups are directly linked to this CVE, the nature of the vulnerability makes it attractive to various threat actors. This type of vulnerability is often leveraged by opportunistic attackers for initial access. This vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV.
Network traffic analysis: Monitor for unusual HTTP requests originating from internal networks to the device's IP address, especially those targeting configuration endpoints (e.g., password change, network settings).
Web server logs: Analyze web server logs on the device for suspicious activity, such as unexpected POST requests or requests originating from unusual IP addresses.
IDS/IPS signatures: Implement intrusion detection/prevention system (IDS/IPS) rules to detect CSRF attempts targeting the device's web interface. These rules can be based on known attack patterns or specific HTTP request characteristics.
Endpoint detection and response (EDR): Monitor endpoint activity for suspicious processes or network connections related to the device's IP address. This can help identify compromised devices or attempts to exploit the vulnerability.
Upgrade Firmware: Update the device's firmware to the latest version available from the vendor. This is the primary and most effective remediation step. If no patch is available, consider the mitigations below.
Implement CSRF Protection: If possible, implement CSRF protection mechanisms in the device's web interface. This includes using anti-CSRF tokens, verifying the origin of requests, and implementing proper input validation.
Network Segmentation: Isolate the device from critical network segments to limit the impact of a successful exploit.
Strong Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies for all users, including the administrator account.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable any unnecessary services or features on the device to reduce the attack surface.