CVE-2008-6280 in WRT160N
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in apply.cgi on the Linksys WRT160N allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the action parameter in a DHCP_Static operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The CVE-2008-6280 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Linksys WRT160N wireless router's web interface, specifically within the apply.cgi script. This vulnerability exists in the router's administrative web portal which is accessible to users who have configured their router with static DHCP settings. The flaw manifests when the router processes the action parameter during a DHCP_Static operation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code into the web interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising the security of the entire network.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws where web applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. The vulnerability specifically affects the apply.cgi script that handles administrative operations for the router's DHCP configuration, making it a prime target for exploitation. Attackers can craft malicious requests containing script payloads in the action parameter, which the router's web interface processes without adequate sanitization. When legitimate users access the affected web interface, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices in the router's web application code, which fails to implement proper sanitization of user-supplied parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be leveraged to compromise the entire router administration interface. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to router configuration settings, modify network parameters, or establish persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the device. This creates a significant risk for both home and enterprise users who rely on these routers for network security. The vulnerability also enables more sophisticated attacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks, where attackers can intercept and modify network traffic passing through the compromised router, potentially affecting all devices connected to the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6280 should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates from Linksys, as the vulnerability affects a specific router model and version. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems from potentially compromised devices, while also deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting the affected CGI script. Regular security audits should include checking for outdated firmware versions and ensuring that all network devices are running the latest security patches. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and output encoding in all web applications, particularly those managing network infrastructure. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts, and establish incident response procedures for quickly addressing such vulnerabilities when discovered. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices in embedded systems and network devices, as these often become prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to network infrastructures.