CVE-2013-5215 in Wireless IP Camera
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the web interface "WiFi scan" option in FOSCAM Wireless IP Cameras allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the SSID.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The CVE-2013-5215 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in FOSCAM Wireless IP Cameras, specifically within their web interface functionality. This vulnerability resides in the WiFi scan feature where the device fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an exploitable condition that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code. The flaw manifests when the SSID parameter, which is used to identify wireless networks during scanning operations, is not adequately validated or escaped before being rendered back to the user interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw where untrusted data is executed in the context of a user's browser. The vulnerability occurs because the camera's web interface does not implement proper input validation or output encoding mechanisms for the SSID field, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that persist in the device's web interface. When other users access the WiFi scan functionality, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to network security and device integrity. Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely without requiring physical access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where IP cameras are deployed. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise, as compromised cameras can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, potentially enabling attackers to monitor network traffic, manipulate camera settings, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other network resources.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is broad given the widespread deployment of FOSCAM devices in both enterprise and residential environments. Network administrators should consider this issue in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1566 technique for credential access through malicious web content. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from FOSCAM, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and implementation of web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network scans to identify all affected devices and establish monitoring protocols for suspicious web interface activity. The vulnerability underscores the importance of input validation and output encoding practices in embedded web interfaces, as recommended by security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.