CVE-2019-19823 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the administration interface of a specific router that stores administrative passwords in clear text form, impacting various router models.

Understanding CVE-2019-19823

This CVE highlights a security issue where administrative passwords are stored in clear text in both flash memory and a file within the administration interface of certain routers.

What is CVE-2019-19823?

The vulnerability in the router's administration interface allows for the storage of administrative passwords in clear text, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19823

The vulnerability affects multiple router models, potentially exposing sensitive administrative passwords to unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19823

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The affected routers store administrative passwords in clear text in both flash memory and a file, making them easily accessible to attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following router models are impacted by this vulnerability:

TOTOLINK A3002RU (up to version 2.0.0)
A702R (up to version 2.1.3)
N301RT (up to version 2.1.6)
N302R (up to version 3.4.0)
N300RT (up to version 3.4.0)
N200RE (up to version 4.0.0)
N150RT (up to version 3.4.0)
N100RE (up to version 3.4.0)
Rutek RTK 11N AP (up to 2019-12-12)
Sapido GR297n (up to 2019-12-12)
CIK TELECOM MESH ROUTER (up to 2019-12-12)
KCTVJEJU Wireless AP (up to 2019-12-12)
Fibergate FGN-R2 (up to 2019-12-12)
Hi-Wifi MAX-C300N (up to 2019-12-12)
HCN MAX-C300N (up to 2019-12-12)
T-broad GN-866ac (up to 2019-12-12)
Coship EMTA AP (up to 2019-12-12)
IO-Data WN-AC1167R (up to 2019-12-12)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the administrative passwords stored in clear text on the affected routers.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address this vulnerability, users and organizations should take immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Change all administrative passwords on the affected routers immediately.
Monitor network activity for any suspicious behavior.
Implement firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update router firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
Use strong, unique passwords for all administrative accounts.

Patching and Updates

Check for firmware updates provided by the router manufacturer to address this vulnerability.