CVE-2004-2508 in WVC11B
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in main.cgi in Linksys WVC11B Wireless-B Internet Video Camera allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the next_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2508 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Linksys WVC11B Wireless-B Internet Video Camera device. This security weakness resides within the main.cgi web application component that handles user requests and processes input parameters. The specific vulnerability manifests when the device fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input data, particularly the next_file parameter that is processed during web interface interactions. This particular implementation flaw creates an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers who interact with the compromised device.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting conditions where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or sanitization. The attack vector involves remote exploitation through web-based interfaces, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that leverage the device's web server functionality. When a victim accesses the camera's web interface and encounters the maliciously injected content, the browser executes the embedded scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the victim's system. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution risk stems from the ability to manipulate web content that is subsequently rendered by user browsers, making this an attractive target for attackers seeking to exploit the device's accessibility over network connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access points within networks where the camera is deployed. The WVC11B device, being a wireless internet video camera, typically operates in environments where it may be accessible from multiple network locations, increasing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Network administrators who deploy these devices often lack comprehensive security awareness regarding embedded systems and their web interfaces, creating additional risk factors. The vulnerability's persistence lies in the fact that the device's web interface remains accessible to unauthenticated users, allowing attackers to exploit the flaw without requiring prior authentication or specialized network access privileges. This characteristic places the vulnerability within the ATT&CK framework's initial access categories, specifically targeting web application exploitation techniques that leverage unpatched software components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2508 should prioritize immediate network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of the affected device to unauthorized users. Network administrators must implement proper input validation controls that filter or escape user-supplied parameters before they are processed or displayed within web interfaces. The recommended approach includes disabling unnecessary web services on embedded devices, implementing network access controls through firewalls, and ensuring that all network-connected devices receive regular firmware updates from manufacturers. Additionally, security monitoring should include detection of unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider replacing legacy devices like the WVC11B with modern security-aware cameras that implement proper input sanitization and follow current security standards for web application development. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing embedded systems and web interfaces in IoT devices, as these components often lack the security controls found in traditional enterprise applications.