CVE-2019-6961 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2019-6961 was published on June 20, 2019, and relates to a vulnerability in the RDK RDKB-20181217-1 WebUI module that allows a logged-in user to manipulate privileged configurations intended for network operators.

Understanding CVE-2019-6961

This CVE highlights an access control flaw in the actionHandlerUtility.php file within the RDK WebUI module.

What is CVE-2019-6961?

The vulnerability allows a logged-in user to control critical configurations like DDNS, QoS, and RIP, which should only be managed by network operators. The issue arises from inadequate page filtering that restricts access only for GET requests and not direct AJAX calls.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6961

The vulnerability enables unauthorized users to modify crucial network settings, potentially leading to service disruptions, data breaches, or unauthorized access to network resources.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6961

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in actionHandlerUtility.php permits logged-in users to manipulate privileged network configurations by bypassing access controls meant to restrict non-superuser access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: RDK RDKB-20181217-1 WebUI module
Affected Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending HTTP POST requests to the PHP backend, circumventing the page filtering that should restrict non-superuser access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-6961 and enhance overall security, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms.
Regularly monitor and audit network configurations for unauthorized changes.
Apply security patches and updates promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security training for users to raise awareness of potential threats.
Employ network segmentation to limit the impact of unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to the RDK WebUI module.
Apply patches provided by the vendor to address the access control vulnerability effectively.