CVE-2013-3087 in N900
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Belkin N900 router allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) ssid2 parameter to wl_channel.html or (2) guest_psk parameter to wl_guest.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2019
The CVE-2013-3087 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Belkin N900 wireless routers that exposes users to significant cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the router's web-based management interface, specifically affecting two distinct parameters within different HTML pages. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability exists in the router's web server implementation, where user-supplied input is not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web responses, creating an avenue for persistent malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack vectors that exploit different pages within the router's administrative interface. The first vector targets the ssid2 parameter within the wl_channel.html page, while the second targets the guest_psk parameter in the wl_guest.html page. Both parameters receive user input that flows directly into HTML output without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. This design flaw enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code, HTML tags, or other harmful content that gets executed in the browser of any user who accesses the affected pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where input data is not properly validated or escaped before being rendered in web pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the router's administrative interface. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate network settings, change administrator credentials, disable security features, or redirect traffic through malicious proxies. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the router's web interface. Network administrators may remain unaware of the compromise since the malicious scripts execute within the browser context of legitimate users, potentially masking the attack through legitimate user sessions. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers web protocols and T1059.007 for scripting languages, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web-based attack vectors to maintain persistence and escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3087 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures. Network administrators should prioritize updating router firmware to versions that address the input validation flaws, as Belkin released patches specifically targeting these vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while disabling unnecessary web management interfaces reduces the attack surface. Regular security audits should include verification of input sanitization mechanisms within all web applications, particularly those running on network infrastructure devices. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and the principle of least privilege when developing web-based administrative interfaces for network devices. Organizations should also consider network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns indicative of successful exploitation attempts, including unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes.