CVE-2017-6044
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an improper authorization vulnerability in Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven devices that allows unauthenticated access to sensitive files and directories. Attackers can perform arbitrary file uploads/downloads and reboot devices remotely. Affected are all Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven XE versions before 4.0.14 and Raven XT versions before 4.0.11.
💻 Affected Systems
- Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven XE
- Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven XT
📦 What is this software?
Airlink Raven Xe Firmware by Sierra Wireless
Airlink Raven Xt Firmware by Sierra Wireless
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing arbitrary code execution, data exfiltration, and permanent device disruption through malicious firmware upload.
Likely Case
Unauthorized file access leading to configuration theft, credential harvesting, and service disruption through device reboots.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls preventing external exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only HTTP requests to vulnerable endpoints; no authentication needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Raven XE: 4.0.14 or later; Raven XT: 4.0.11 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-17-115-02
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download firmware update from Sierra Wireless support portal. 2. Log into device web interface. 3. Navigate to System > Firmware Update. 4. Upload and apply the firmware file. 5. Device will reboot automatically.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate AirLink devices in separate network segments with strict firewall rules.
Access Control Lists
allImplement IP-based access restrictions to limit device management interface access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Deploy network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts.
- Implement strict outbound firewall rules to prevent data exfiltration from compromised devices.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version via web interface at System > About. If Raven XE version < 4.0.14 or Raven XT version < 4.0.11, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
No CLI command; check via web interface at System > About page.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify firmware version shows 4.0.14 or higher for Raven XE, or 4.0.11 or higher for Raven XT.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthenticated access attempts to sensitive endpoints
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful file access
- Unexpected file upload/download events
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to device management interface from unexpected sources
- Multiple POST requests to file upload endpoints without authentication
SIEM Query:
source="airlink-logs" AND (url_path="/cgi-bin/*" OR url_path="/files/*") AND auth_status="none"