CVE-2021-44259
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to access the 'wx.html' page on WAVLINK AC1200 routers without authentication, granting them friend-level access to the device. This affects users running the vulnerable firmware version on these routers, potentially exposing device management functions to unauthorized parties.
💻 Affected Systems
- WAVLINK AC1200 router
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Unauthorized users gain administrative control over the router, enabling network traffic interception, device reconfiguration, or installation of persistent malware.
Likely Case
Attackers access device information and limited management functions, potentially enabling network reconnaissance or further exploitation.
If Mitigated
No impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent external access to the router's management interface.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only direct HTTP access to the vulnerable page without authentication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: None known
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
Check vendor website for firmware updates. If available, download latest firmware and apply through router admin interface.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate router management interface from untrusted networks
Access Control Lists
linuxRestrict access to router management IP/port to trusted IPs only
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s TRUSTED_IP -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable remote management and ensure router admin interface is only accessible from internal network
- Implement network monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to router management interface
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt to access http://[router_ip]/wx.html without authentication. If page loads, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check router web interface or use nmap/router fingerprinting to identify firmware versionVerify Fix Applied:
After applying workarounds, verify unauthorized access to /wx.html is blocked or requires authentication.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests to /wx.html from unauthorized IP addresses
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful /wx.html access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual HTTP traffic to router management port from external IPs
- Traffic patterns suggesting router configuration changes
SIEM Query:
source_ip NOT IN trusted_networks AND http_request_uri = "/wx.html" AND http_response_code = 200