CVE-2023-31478 Scanner

GL.iNet is a renowned manufacturer of networking devices such as routers and IoT products, often used in small business environments, home automation systems, and by tech enthusiasts. These devices provide versatile solutions for establishing secure and reliable internet connectivity, often including customizable firmware options for advanced users. Users choose GL.iNet products for their robust features in handling Wi-Fi networks, connecting multiple devices, and the additional feature set for mobile applications. They are typically employed in hybrid work setups and various professional fields requiring secure connections. The firmware products, including version 3.216 and earlier, host diverse APIs to interact with various networking components. The platform serves diverse end-user needs and aims to facilitate seamless network management.

Vulnerability Disclosure in GL.iNet routers is caused by the exposure of sensitive Wi-Fi configuration details such as SSID and network keys via an unsecured API endpoint. This significantly exposes users to unauthorized access risks, which could lead to exploitation by cyber actors aiming to compromise network integrity. Information Disclosure allows malicious individuals to gather critical network information without proper authorization, thereby breaching user privacy policies. The vulnerability fixed in firmware version 3.216 would impact a multitude of customers worldwide who employ these devices as part of their networking solutions. Recognizing the severity, GL.iNet proposed rectifications to secure these interfacing endpoints to prevent data leakage. Understandingly, swift firmware updates are essential upon the detection of such leaks to forestall broader exploitation scenarios.

The technical facet of the Information Disclosure vulnerability is centered around an unprotected endpoint at '/api/router/mesh/status'. This endpoint is responsible for outputting crucial Wi-Fi configuration data, including SSID and possibly encryption keys. A POST request with a specific header at the mentioned endpoint returns a structured data response containing the 'ssid' and 'encryption' keys. Any actor capable of issuing requests to devices running firmware version before 3.216 can access sensitive network information. The vulnerability allows unrestricted disclosure without requiring prior access permissions, making it a significant security flaw. Moreover, no user interaction is needed for exploitation, and virtually anyone could craft the required request to extract data seamlessly. Recommendations aiming at mitigating this involve endpoint security strengthening and refining authentication checks.

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized entities gaining critical insights into network configurations, leading to potential network breaches. Once an adversary gains access to SSID and encryption keys, they could feasibly connect to the network undetected. Subsequent exploitation might involve intercepting network traffic, launching man-in-the-middle attacks, or introducing malware into a network. Information disclosure of this kind can undermine user trust, induce data privacy violations, and escalate into larger-scale security incidents. Depending on the network use-case, sensitive organizational data, personal information, or financial transactions might be intercepted, leading to substantive losses. Thus, the potential for catastrophic impacts is high if unresolved, highlighting the importance of maintaining updated defenses and practices.

REFERENCES

• https://www.gl-inet.com