CVE-2013-7321 in DAP 2253
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in D-Link DAP-2253 Access Point (Rev. A1) with firmware before 1.30 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2018
The CVE-2013-7321 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in D-Link DAP-2253 wireless access point devices with firmware versions prior to 1.30. This vulnerability affects the Rev. A1 hardware model and exposes the device to remote code execution through web-based attack vectors. The flaw resides in the device's web interface handling of user input, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS issue indicates that the malicious code can be stored on the device and executed whenever the affected interface is accessed by any user, including administrators. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can establish persistent footholds within network environments through compromised wireless infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic input validation failure that aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the flaw could potentially exist across multiple input fields or parameters within the web management interface, making it particularly challenging to fully assess the attack surface. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it allows attackers to manipulate the device's web interface, potentially enabling them to modify network configurations, access sensitive administrative functions, or redirect users to malicious sites. The device's role as a wireless access point makes this particularly concerning since it serves as a gateway for wireless network traffic and often contains credentials and network configuration data that could be exploited.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to enterprise and home network security due to the widespread deployment of D-Link access points in various environments. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the device or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access points within networks. Network administrators may be unaware of the compromise until malicious activity occurs, as the XSS attack can be used to create backdoors or redirect users to phishing sites without leaving obvious traces. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks or escalate privileges within the network infrastructure, particularly if the access point is used as a gateway device. The potential for credential theft and network reconnaissance makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate environments where wireless access points often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7321 focus primarily on firmware updates and network segmentation. Organizations must immediately update all affected D-Link DAP-2253 devices to firmware version 1.30 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls including web application firewalls, network monitoring systems, and regular vulnerability scanning to detect potential exploitation attempts. Access controls should be strengthened by disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the device's configuration interface. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework's T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol: web protocols indicates that this attack vector aligns with common exploitation patterns used by threat actors targeting network infrastructure devices. Organizations should also consider network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes in wireless access points.