CVE-2017-3831 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-3831, an authentication bypass vulnerability in Cisco Mobility Express 1800 Series Access Points, allowing attackers to gain full administrator privileges. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
A vulnerability in the web-based GUI of Cisco Mobility Express 1800 Series Access Points could allow an unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication and gain full administrator privileges. This flaw affects systems running software versions older than 8.2.110.0.
Understanding CVE-2017-3831
This CVE involves an authentication bypass vulnerability in Cisco Mobility Express 1800 Series Access Points.
What is CVE-2017-3831?
The vulnerability allows an attacker to circumvent the authentication process on the web-based GUI of Cisco Mobility Express 1800 Series Access Points, potentially granting them complete administrator privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2017-3831
If exploited, an attacker could bypass authentication, leading to unauthorized configuration changes or control commands on the compromised device. This could result in a significant security breach.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-3831
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from an incorrect implementation of authentication for accessing specific web pages through the GUI interface of the affected system.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Cisco Mobility Express 1800 Access Point Series
- Versions: Cisco Mobility Express 1800 Access Point Series running software versions older than 8.2.110.0
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to send a specifically crafted HTTP request to the affected system's web interface, allowing them to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-3831 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update affected systems to software version 8.2.110.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an exploitation attempt.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication to enhance access control.
- Regularly review and update security configurations to address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Cisco to address known vulnerabilities.