CVE-2002-0238 in RT311
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in web administration interface for NetGear RT314 and RT311 Gateway Routers allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary script on another client via a URL that contains the script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0238 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the web administration interface of NetGear RT314 and RT311 Gateway Routers. This security weakness resides in the router's web-based management system that allows unauthorized users to inject malicious scripts into URLs, potentially compromising the security of connected clients. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and input validation mechanisms of the router's web interface, creating an environment where attackers can exploit the system's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data. The affected devices operate with a web server component that processes URL parameters without adequate sanitization, making them susceptible to malicious input injection attacks. This flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of the network infrastructure by allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of other users' browsers who interact with compromised router interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the router's web administration interface. When users navigate to specific URLs containing malicious script payloads, the system fails to properly escape or filter the input before rendering it in the browser context. This failure allows attackers to craft specially formatted URLs that, when accessed by legitimate users, execute unauthorized scripts in their browsers. The vulnerability operates under the common weakness classification of CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the user's browser and the router's web interface, enabling attackers to exploit the legitimate session cookies and credentials of authenticated users. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, as attackers can craft malicious URLs that will execute when any user accesses the compromised router's interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-0238 extends beyond simple script execution, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised network environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute scripts that harvest user credentials, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users within the router's administrative context. This capability aligns with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of web shell deployment and session hijacking, where attackers establish persistent access through compromised web interfaces. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as long as the affected routers remain operational and accessible. Network administrators may find their security monitoring systems unable to detect these attacks effectively, since the malicious scripts execute in the user's browser context rather than directly on the router's system. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where router administrators may have elevated privileges and where the compromised router serves as a gateway for network access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-0238 should prioritize immediate network segmentation and access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to affected router interfaces. Organizations should implement strict firewall rules that restrict access to router administration ports from external networks and limit internal access to only authorized personnel. The most effective remediation involves updating router firmware to versions that properly sanitize all user input and implement comprehensive output encoding for web interface elements. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads before they reach users' browsers. Additional protective measures include disabling web administration interfaces when not actively needed, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of network infrastructure components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, principles that align with industry best practices established in the OWASP Top Ten and other security standards. Regular firmware updates and network monitoring remain essential defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices, particularly given the long lifespan of many networking components that may not receive regular security updates.