CVE-2006-0946 in SpeedTouch
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Thomson SpeedTouch modems running firmware 5.3.2.6.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the name parameter to the LocalNetwork page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
The CVE-2006-0946 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Thomson SpeedTouch modems utilizing firmware version 5.3.2.6.0. This vulnerability resides within the web-based administration interface of these network devices, specifically affecting the LocalNetwork page functionality. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied data entered through the name parameter. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious script code within the name field, which then gets executed when other users view the affected page, creating a persistent XSS attack vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to inject malicious client-side scripts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user input flows directly into web page output without proper sanitization or encoding. When the modem processes the name parameter through the LocalNetwork page, it fails to implement adequate security controls such as input validation, output encoding, or content security policies that would normally prevent malicious script execution. This represents a classic reflected XSS scenario where the malicious payload is embedded in the URL parameters and executed in the context of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the network environment. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify web page content, or even execute arbitrary commands on the affected modems if additional vulnerabilities exist. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for network administrators who may unknowingly expose their systems to attackers. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home networks where these modems serve as primary internet gateways, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the entire network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0946 should encompass both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying firmware updates from Thomson or the device manufacturer, as this addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block XSS attack patterns, implementing proper input validation at all application entry points, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that align with ATT&CK framework tactics such as initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation through compromised network devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with XSS exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address web application vulnerabilities in network infrastructure devices.