CVE-2013-7389 in DIR-645
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in D-Link DIR-645 Router (Rev. A1) with firmware before 1.04B11 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) deviceid parameter to parentalcontrols/bind.php, (2) RESULT parameter to info.php, or (3) receiver parameter to bsc_sms_send.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The CVE-2013-7389 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting D-Link DIR-645 routers with firmware versions prior to 1.04B11. This vulnerability resides in the router's web-based administrative interface and exposes multiple attack vectors through improperly sanitized input parameters. The affected device operates with a web server component that processes user-supplied data without adequate validation or sanitization, creating persistent entry points for malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of authenticated users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically targets three distinct endpoints within the router's management interface, each representing a separate injection point that could be exploited to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the network environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three primary vectors that demonstrate poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms within the router's web interface. The first vector targets the deviceid parameter in parentalcontrols/bind.php, where an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code that executes when the parameter is processed by the server-side script. The second vector exploits the RESULT parameter in info.php, which similarly lacks proper input sanitization and allows attackers to inject HTML content that gets rendered in the user's browser session. The third vector targets the receiver parameter in bsc_sms_send.php, which represents a more complex attack surface given the SMS functionality integration. These vulnerabilities align with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications, and demonstrate how embedded web interfaces in network devices often suffer from insufficient security controls compared to traditional web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates persistent security risks for network administrators and end users who access the router's management interface. An attacker who successfully exploits any of these vectors could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute commands within the context of the router's administrative interface. This could lead to complete compromise of the router's configuration, allowing unauthorized modifications to network settings, firewall rules, or user access controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a consumer-grade router model that may be deployed in home networks where users lack sophisticated security awareness and may not regularly update firmware. The impact is further amplified by the fact that these routers often serve as gateways to larger networks, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges to move laterally within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7389 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link to address the identified vulnerabilities, as the vendor released version 1.04B11 specifically to resolve these XSS issues. Network administrators should also implement additional protective measures including disabling unnecessary web interfaces, restricting access to the router's management ports through firewall rules, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity related to the vulnerable parameters. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper input validation at the application layer should be considered for any custom web applications or interfaces that may be present in similar network equipment. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify similar issues in other router models and embedded devices that may present similar security weaknesses. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and demonstrates how the lack of proper input validation in web interfaces can create persistent security risks that remain exploitable for years after initial discovery, as evidenced by the continued relevance of this vulnerability in security assessments.