CVE-2010-4412 in pfSense
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in pfSense 2 beta 4 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the id parameter in an olsrd.xml action to pkg_edit.php, (2) the xml parameter to pkg.php, or the if parameter to (3) status_graph.php or (4) interfaces.php, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-1182 and CVE-2010-4246.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4412 represents a significant cross-site scripting weakness affecting pfSense 2 beta 4, a widely used open-source firewall and router management platform. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of authenticated user sessions. The flaw manifests through multiple attack vectors that target different components of the pfSense web interface, specifically exploiting input validation deficiencies in the core administrative modules that handle network configuration and monitoring functions.
The technical exploitation occurs through four distinct parameters across different PHP scripts within the pfSense ecosystem. The first vector targets the id parameter in the olsrd.xml action to pkg_edit.php, where unvalidated input allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute when the page renders. The second vulnerability exists in pkg.php where the xml parameter lacks proper sanitization, while the third and fourth vectors operate through status_graph.php and interfaces.php respectively, utilizing the if parameter to inject malicious content. These attack points demonstrate a pattern of insufficient input validation and output encoding across multiple administrative interfaces, creating a comprehensive attack surface that could potentially compromise the entire network security infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal administrative credentials, and potentially gain unauthorized access to network configurations. Given that pfSense systems often serve as critical network gateways, successful exploitation could lead to complete network compromise, allowing attackers to modify firewall rules, redirect traffic, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple modules suggests a systemic flaw in the input validation framework rather than isolated incidents, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on pfSense for network security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all web interfaces, with particular attention to the specific parameters mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should apply the latest security patches immediately, as pfSense released updates addressing these specific XSS vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection, while implementing strict content security policies can help prevent script execution in browser contexts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing via web applications, highlighting the need for both defensive measures and user awareness training to prevent exploitation of these entry points in the network security infrastructure.