How to remediate – UPnP WFA Device Detection

1. Introduction

The UPnP WFA Device Detection vulnerability means a remote device supports the Wireless Fidelity Alliance (WFA) Device specification for Universal Plug and Play. This allows users to configure WiFi settings through UPnP, but requires a WPS-like authentication method. A successful exploit could allow an attacker to modify WiFi settings on the affected device. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability may be impacted if WiFi access is compromised.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability stems from support for the WFA Device profile within the UPnP server. This interface uses a WPS-like authentication scheme which has known weaknesses. An attacker can attempt to brute force or otherwise bypass this authentication to gain control of WiFi settings. The preconditions include network access to the vulnerable device and an active UPnP service.

• Root cause: Support for WFA Device profile with its associated WPS-like authentication.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to exploit weaknesses in the WPS-like authentication scheme, potentially using brute force attacks or known vulnerabilities. For example, they could attempt a PIN-based attack against the WPS interface.
• Scope: Devices running UPnP servers supporting WFA Device profiles are affected. Specific product versions will vary.

3. Detection and Assessment

You can confirm vulnerability by checking for support of the WFA Device profile in UPnP data. A quick check is to examine the device’s web interface for UPnP settings. Thorough assessment involves using a network scanner that identifies UPnP devices.

• Quick checks: Check your router’s administration page for UPnP settings and whether WFA Device detection is enabled.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16874 can identify this vulnerability as an example. Other scanners may have similar capabilities.
• Logs and evidence: Examine device logs for UPnP-related events, specifically those concerning WFA Device profiles or WPS authentication attempts.

nmap --script upnp-info 

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to disable WPS if possible. If disabling WPS isn’t an option, consider isolating the affected device on a separate network segment.

4.1 Preparation

• Dependencies: Access to the router’s administration interface is required. Roll back by restoring the backed-up configuration file.
• Change windows: Schedule during off-peak hours. Approval from a network administrator may be needed.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Log in to your router’s administration interface using a web browser.
2. Step 2: Navigate to the wireless settings section.
3. Step 3: Disable WPS if available.
4. Step 4: Save the changes and reboot the router if prompted.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

WPS Enabled: Yes

After

WPS Enabled: No

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence. If a practice does not apply, do not include it.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – limit access to router configuration to authorized personnel only.
• Practice 2: Safe Defaults – Ensure WPS is disabled by default on new devices.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example PowerShell Script - Requires router API access
# This is an example only and may not work on all routers.
# $routerIP = "192.168.1.1"
# Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "http://$routerIP/api/wps_disable" -Method Post # Example endpoint, adjust as needed

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by checking that WPS is disabled in your router’s settings. Re-run a network scan to verify the vulnerability no longer appears. Ensure WiFi connectivity remains functional.

• Post-fix check: Log back into your router and confirm “WPS Enabled” is set to “No”.
• Re-test: Run the Nessus plugin (ID 16874) again; it should no longer report the vulnerability.
• Smoke test: Connect a device to the WiFi network and verify internet access.
• Monitoring: Monitor router logs for any UPnP or WPS related activity as an example.

nmap --script upnp-info  # Should not report WFA Device profile

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines to include disabling WPS on all routers. Implement regular patch management for network devices. For example, review firmware updates monthly.

• Baselines: Update your router configuration baseline to enforce WPS disablement.
• Pipelines: Consider using a configuration management tool to automatically apply the fix across multiple devices.
• Asset and patch process: Establish a regular schedule for reviewing and applying firmware updates to network devices.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Disabling WPS may prevent some older devices from connecting easily. If issues occur, restore the router’s configuration from the backup created earlier.

• Risk or side effect 1: Some older WiFi devices might require WPS for initial connection; provide alternative setup methods if needed.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.nessus.org/u?fe9f26f6
• NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE is listed in the provided context.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Refer to your router manufacturer’s documentation for WPS disablement instructions.