CVE-2013-7043 in Scientific Atlanta Dpr
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities on Cisco Scientific Atlanta DPR2320R2 routers with software 2.0.2r1262-090417 allow remote attackers to hijack the authentication of administrators for requests that (1) change a password via the Password parameter to goform/RgSecurity; (2) reboot the device via the Restart parameter to goform/restart; (3) modify Wi-Fi settings, as demonstrated by the WpaPreSharedKey parameter to goform/wlanSecurity; or (4) modify parental controls via the ParentalPassword parameter to goform/RgParentalBasic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7043 represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw affecting Cisco Scientific Atlanta DPR2320R2 routers running firmware version 2.0.2r1262-090417. This CSRF vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authentication verification mechanisms within the router's web administration interface, specifically in the handling of requests submitted to various goform endpoints. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized administrative actions by tricking authenticated users into visiting malicious websites or clicking on compromised links that automatically submit requests to the vulnerable router's management interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the router's web-based administration interface which lacks anti-CSRF tokens or similar protective mechanisms. When administrators access the router's management pages, their authentication session remains active, but the web forms and endpoints do not validate the origin of requests or require additional proof of authorization. Attackers can craft malicious web pages containing hidden forms or javascript that automatically submit requests to the router's specific endpoints such as goform/RgSecurity for password changes, goform/restart for device reboots, goform/wlanSecurity for wireless configuration modifications, and goform/RgParentalBasic for parental control adjustments. These endpoints are particularly dangerous because they allow modification of core router functionality and security settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to gain complete administrative control over affected routers without requiring authentication credentials. Successful exploitation allows unauthorized parties to change administrator passwords, effectively locking out legitimate users while maintaining administrative access. Device reboots can be performed remotely, potentially disrupting network services or creating opportunities for additional attacks. Wireless security settings modifications can compromise network access controls, while parental control changes can disable or alter content filtering mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the entire network infrastructure since these routers serve as gateways to local networks, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access points or conduct man-in-the-middle attacks.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of CWE-352, Cross-Site Request Forgery, which is categorized under the OWASP Top Ten as a critical web application security risk. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a privilege escalation technique under T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, and potentially as T1071.004, Application Layer Protocol: DNS, if attackers use the compromised router as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance. Mitigation strategies include implementing proper CSRF token validation mechanisms, requiring additional authentication factors for critical administrative functions, and ensuring that administrative interfaces are not directly exposed to untrusted networks. Network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict access to router management interfaces, and regular firmware updates should also be implemented to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.