CVE-2020-15835
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers with a specific private key to authenticate as root on affected Mofi routers without knowing the actual root password. It affects Mofi Network MOFI4500-4GXeLTE devices running version 4.1.5-std. This provides complete administrative control over the router.
💻 Affected Systems
- Mofi Network MOFI4500-4GXeLTE
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of router with root access, enabling traffic interception, network pivoting, credential theft, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized administrative access leading to network configuration changes, DNS hijacking, and surveillance of network traffic.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if management interfaces are not exposed to untrusted networks and proper network segmentation is implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires possession of the specific private key but is otherwise straightforward.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Later versions after 4.1.5-std
Vendor Advisory: https://mofinetwork.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=14
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into router admin interface. 2. Navigate to firmware update section. 3. Download latest firmware from Mofi Network. 4. Upload and apply firmware update. 5. Reboot router.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable remote management
allPrevent external access to management interface
Network segmentation
allIsolate router management interface to trusted network segment
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Replace affected routers with non-vulnerable models
- Implement strict firewall rules to block all external access to router management interfaces
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check firmware version in router admin interface under System Information or Status pageCheck Version:
Login to router web interface and navigate to System Status or equivalent pageVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version is updated to a version later than 4.1.5-std📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected root logins
- Authentication attempts using non-standard methods
- Configuration changes from unknown sources
Network Indicators:
- Unauthorized access to router management ports (typically 80, 443, 22)
- Suspicious traffic patterns from router
SIEM Query:
source="router" AND (event_type="authentication" AND user="root") OR (event_type="configuration_change")