CVE-2019-7311 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in devices running Linksys WRT1900ACS 1.0.3.187766 firmware, allowing unauthorized access to the router through the discovery of the admin password.

Understanding CVE-2019-7311

What is CVE-2019-7311?

The vulnerability in Linksys WRT1900ACS 1.0.3.187766 firmware arises from the lack of encryption in storing the user login cookie, enabling a local attacker to easily obtain the admin password.

The Impact of CVE-2019-7311

The flaw allows unauthorized administrative access to the victim's router, as the admin password is stored in clear text format in a base64 encoded cookie, making it vulnerable to interception.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-7311

Vulnerability Description

Lack of encryption in storing the user login cookie (admin-auth)
Admin password stored in clear text in a base64 encoded cookie
Local attacker can discover the admin password

Affected Systems and Versions

Linksys WRT1900ACS 1.0.3.187766 firmware

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker can intercept network traffic during login to retrieve admin password
Physical access to victim's computer post-login can compromise the system

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Change the admin password immediately
Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords
Regularly monitor network traffic for suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong encryption methods for storing sensitive data
Conduct regular security audits and updates

Patching and Updates

Apply firmware updates provided by Linksys to address the vulnerability