CVE-2008-1257 in P-660HW D3
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Forms/DiagGeneral_2 on the ZyXEL P-660HW series router allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PingIPAddr parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1257 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the ZyXEL P-660HW series network routers. This vulnerability exists within the web-based administration interface of the device, specifically in the Forms/DiagGeneral_2 component. The issue allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts against unsuspecting users who access the router's management interface, creating a significant security risk for network administrators and end-users who may be logged into the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed consumer and small office router series that many users may not regularly update or monitor for security patches.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation within the PingIPAddr parameter handling mechanism. When a user submits a value through this parameter in the DiagGeneral_2 form, the router fails to adequately sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into the web response. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code that gets executed in the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical weakness in web application security that enables attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged to perform various malicious activities against users of the affected routers. Attackers could potentially redirect users to phishing sites, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or even deliver malware to connected devices. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the router's web interface. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through spearphishing attachments and T1071.001 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as the attack vector operates through standard web browser interactions with the router's HTTP interface.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the router's web interface security implementation, where input validation occurs only at the presentation layer rather than being properly enforced throughout the application's data flow. This weakness creates a persistent security risk for all users of the affected ZyXEL P-660HW series devices, particularly in environments where network administrators may not regularly update firmware or where users lack technical knowledge about router security. Organizations and individuals using these devices should consider immediate mitigation strategies including network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to the router's web interface, and regular firmware updates when available. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper web application security testing and input validation practices in embedded network devices, which often receive less security scrutiny than enterprise applications.