Router Apocalypse: Sierra Wireless Flaw Leaves Devices Vulnerable to Cyber Mayhem

Hot Take:

Well, it seems like Sierra Wireless routers are experiencing their own version of a midlife crisis. Who knew a six-year-old flaw would decide to make a comeback tour in 2024? Maybe it just wanted to feel relevant again. Either way, CISA is not amused. Time to update those routers or risk them becoming the next hot spot for cyber mischief!

Key Points:

• Sierra Wireless AirLink ALEOS routers have a high-severity flaw, CVE-2018-4063, that allows remote code execution.
• The flaw was publicly disclosed by Cisco Talos in 2019 and has recently been actively exploited.
• Attackers can use the “upload.cgi” function to upload malicious files with executable permissions.
• Forescout’s honeypot analysis shows industrial routers are prime targets for botnet and cryptocurrency malware.
• Federal agencies are advised to update or discontinue using affected routers by January 2026.

Router Rumble

In the latest episode of “When Routers Attack,” the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has put the spotlight on an old vulnerability that feels like it should have been retired by now. The Sierra Wireless AirLink ALEOS routers are back in the news due to the CVE-2018-4063 flaw, a high-severity issue that’s as troublesome as a Roomba stuck in a corner. This vulnerability is like an open invitation for hackers to upload malicious files and do a little dance on your network.

The Ghost of Vulnerabilities Past

Flashback to 2019, when Cisco Talos first clued us in on this pesky vulnerability. It’s a little like hearing about a celebrity scandal that everyone thought was over, only to have it resurface with a vengeance. The flaw allows for remote code execution, thanks to the “upload.cgi” function in the routers’ firmware, which sounds like something out of a bad sci-fi movie. But alas, it’s real, and it means hackers can waltz in and upload files with the same name as existing ones, inheriting their permissions. Spoiler alert: It’s not a good thing.

Attack of the Botnets

Meanwhile, in a 90-day honeypot analysis, Forescout discovered that industrial routers are practically rolling out the red carpet for threat actors. These actors are ready to deploy botnets and cryptocurrency miners like RondoDox, Redtail, and ShadowV2. It’s like the routers are hosting an open house for malware. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a new player in town: Chaya_005. This threat cluster decided to weaponize the notorious CVE-2018-4063, proving that even vulnerabilities can have a fan club.

Chaya_005: The New Kid on the Block

Chaya_005 is like that mysterious new character in a TV series nobody saw coming. This previously undocumented threat cluster has been poking around, testing various vendor vulnerabilities, with CVE-2018-4063 being one of them. Thankfully, it seems their interest has waned, and they’re no longer considered a significant threat. Perhaps they got bored and moved on to more exciting exploits. Let’s just hope they didn’t leave any parting gifts behind.

Time to Update or Move On

With all this excitement, CISA isn’t taking any chances. They’ve added CVE-2018-4063 to their Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and are advising Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to either update their devices or wave goodbye to them by January 2026. After all, these routers have reached their end-of-support status and are about as useful as a toaster in a bathtub. It’s time for them to hang up their networking boots and let newer, safer devices take over.

In conclusion, this saga of the Sierra Wireless routers serves as a reminder that no vulnerability stays buried forever. Cybersecurity is a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, and staying one step ahead is key. So, if you’re still holding on to those outdated routers, it might be time to cut the cord. After all, nobody wants to be the next headline in the “When Routers Attack” series.