CVE-2009-1557 in WVC54GCA
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities on the Cisco Linksys WVC54GCA wireless video camera with firmware 1.00R22 and 1.00R24 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the next_file parameter to (1) main.cgi, (2) img/main.cgi, or (3) adm/file.cgi; or (4) the this_file parameter to adm/file.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The CVE-2009-1557 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Cisco Linksys WVC54GCA wireless video cameras running firmware versions 1.00R22 and 1.00R24. This vulnerability resides in the web interface of the device and demonstrates a classic input validation weakness that enables remote code execution through malicious web script injection. The affected parameters next_file and this_file in multiple CGI scripts create pathways for attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code directly into the device's web interface, bypassing standard security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and exploits the device's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it within web responses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established XSS attack pattern where malicious input is accepted through CGI parameters without proper validation or encoding. When an attacker submits crafted payloads through the next_file parameter in main.cgi, img/main.cgi, or adm/file.cgi, or through the this_file parameter in adm/file.cgi, the device processes these inputs without adequate sanitization mechanisms. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users who access the device's web interface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate web applications and potentially compromise user sessions or execute unauthorized commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1557 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to the wireless video camera's web interface. Once exploited, attackers can potentially steal user credentials, modify device configuration, capture video streams, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for surveillance equipment since it can compromise the security of video monitoring systems, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive footage and surveillance data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the camera's administrative interface, modify security settings, or even redirect the device to malicious servers for further exploitation. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, making it a significant threat to network security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1557 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Cisco, as the vendor likely released patches addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns. Input validation should be strengthened at all CGI endpoints to ensure proper encoding of user-supplied data before rendering. Network administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual traffic patterns or attempted exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in embedded web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1212 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should conduct security assessments of all network-connected devices to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive patch management procedures to prevent future exploitation attempts.