CVE-2009-0393 in CPEi300
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in sysconf.cgi in Motorola Wimax modem CPEi300 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The CVE-2009-0393 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Motorola's CPEi300 WiMAX modem firmware, specifically within the sysconf.cgi web interface component. This vulnerability exists in the handling of user-supplied input through the page parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated users' browsers. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication to exploit, making it accessible to anyone with valid credentials to access the modem's administrative interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the sysconf.cgi script. When the web interface processes the page parameter without proper encoding or filtering of user-supplied data, it allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that are subsequently executed by the victim's browser. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS attack since the malicious script is reflected back to the user through the vulnerable parameter, making it a classic example of how insufficient input sanitization can compromise web application integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform various malicious activities within the authenticated user's browser session. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the modem's web interface, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or privilege escalation within the compromised session. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network management interface, potentially allowing unauthorized access to critical network configuration settings. The attack vector is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these modems may be accessible from internal networks or even exposed to external networks without proper firewall protection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on multiple layers of defense including immediate firmware updates from Motorola to address the specific XSS flaw in sysconf.cgi, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web interface, and applying network segmentation to limit direct access to administrative interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, enforcing strict access controls through strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566 - Phishing and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers could use this vulnerability to redirect users to malicious domains or establish persistent access through stolen session tokens. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded web applications, particularly those managing critical network infrastructure components.