CVE-2008-1259:Authentication bypass vulnerability in Zyxel P-2602HW-D1A routers (firmware 3.40(AJZ.1)) allows remote attackers to hijack an authenticated session by establishing a new session from the same source IP address within five minutes of a user’s prior authentication.

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The Zyxel P-2602HW-D1A router’s firmware 3.40(AJZ.1) maintains authentication state based on the client’s IP address. An attacker can bypass login requirements by initiating a session from a source IP address that has previously authenticated within the last 5 minutes, effectively hijacking the user’s session without needing valid credentials. This is a remote, IP-based authentication–state vulnerability that could enable unauthorized configuration changes or access to restricted features on affected devices.

Overview

This CVE describes an authentication mechanism flaw in the Zyxel P-2602HW-D1A router where the device tracks authenticated sessions by IP address. As a result, an attacker can spoof or reuse a source IP that recently authenticated to gain access without re-authenticating, provided the session occurs within a short window (five minutes). The vulnerability stems from simplistic session state handling rather than robust per-session authentication tokens, making it possible for remote attackers to bypass authentication on affected devices with the referenced firmware version.

Remediation

  • Check for and apply the latest firmware update from Zyxel for the P-2602HW-D1A and upgrade to a version that fixes the IP-based session management vulnerability.
  • If no patch is available, implement mitigations to reduce exposure:
    • Disable or restrict WAN/remote management access to the router’s configuration interface.
    • Restrict administration access to trusted LAN IPs and use strong, unique admin credentials.
    • Enable HTTPS/SSL for the admin interface and disable insecure management protocols (if possible).
    • Place the router behind a firewall with strict inbound rules and monitor login attempts for anomalies.
  • Regularly monitor device logs for unusual authentication events and consider replacing the device if no vendor fix is available.
  • After any update or mitigation, reconfigure the device securely and back up the configuration.

References

  • The Router Hacking Challenge is Over! — http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/489009/100/0/threaded
  • http://www.gnucitizen.org/projects/router-hacking-challenge/
  • zyxel-ipaddress-authentication-bypass(41112) — https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/41112

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction: Low
    Construction
  6. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information: Low
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining: Low
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

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