The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) system is a nifty tool used by the cybersecurity community to catalogue vulnerabilities in software. Ever get that nervous feeling when you realize you are running an outdated version of software on your devices? Well, the CVE system helps you pinpoint the vulnerabilities you may be exposed to. In this post, we will delve into a particular exploit in the Linksys E200 Ver.1..06 Build 1, labeled as CVE-2024-27497, which can bypass authentication in your home router. This is especially concerning, as it could expose your sensitive network information to unauthorized users.

Original References

To better understand the vulnerability, you can check out the details provided in the original references:

1. CVE-2024-27497 Entry: Link to CVE entry

2. _position.js_ file from the firmware: Link to vulnerable file

3. Exploit Details: Link to exploit details

Exploit Details

CVE-2024-27497 specifically targets the Linksys E200 Ver.1..06 Build 1 router. The exploit works by taking advantage of the _position.js_ file, a JavaScript file incorrectly configured in the router's firmware. This file contains a critical piece of information - the administrator password hash.

To execute this exploit, a malicious attacker can send an HTTP request to the router's IP address, requesting the _position.js_ file without the need for authentication. The router responds with the contents of the file, including the administrator password hash. With access to this hash, an attacker can then crack the hash offline and gain full access to the router's administrative interface without ever needing to know the login credentials.

Here's a code snippet showing how the attacker might send the HTTP request

import requests

router_ip = "192.168.1.1"  # Replace this with your router's IP address
response = requests.get(f"http://{router_ip}/position.js";)

if "passwd=" in response.text:
    print("Vulnerable router detected!")  # Found the password hash in the response
else:
    print("Router not vulnerable.")

To safeguard your router from this vulnerability, we recommend taking the following steps

1. Upgrade your Linksys E200 router's firmware to the latest version. You can find the most recent updates on the Linksys E200 Support Page. Upgrading the firmware would most likely patch any known vulnerabilities, including the CVE-2024-27497 exploit.

2. Change the pre-shared key (WPA2 password) and disable WPS for your router's WiFi network. Doing this will prevent unauthorized users from accessing your local network in case they manage to acquire the administrator password hash.

3. Routinely monitor your router's logs and connected devices. By paying close attention to any suspicious activities or unauthorized connections, you can identify potential attacks before they can cause any significant damage.

Conclusion

The CVE-2024-27497 vulnerability in Linksys E200 Ver.1..06 Build 1 routers is a stark reminder that our network security is only as strong as its weakest link. By staying updated on vulnerabilities, upgrading vital firmware, and employing best practices for home network security, we can guard our routers (and our digital lives) against nefarious individuals looking to break into our systems. Stay safe out there!

Timeline

Published on: 03/01/2024 15:15:08 UTC
Last modified on: 08/16/2024 16:35:04 UTC