CVE-2014-1405 in C54APM
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple open redirect vulnerabilities on the Conceptronic C54APM access point with runtime code 1.26 allow remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via (1) the submit-url parameter in a Refresh action to goform/formWlSiteSurvey or (2) the wlan-url parameter to goform/formWlanSetup.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2019
The CVE-2014-1405 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw affecting the Conceptronic C54APM wireless access point running firmware version 1.26. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-601 category of Open Redirect, which is classified as a security weakness that allows attackers to redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability exists within the web-based administration interface of the device, specifically in the handling of user-supplied parameters during form submissions. The affected parameters include submit-url in the Refresh action to goform/formWlSiteSurvey and wlan-url in the goform/formWlanSetup endpoint, both of which are part of the device's configuration interface. These parameters are processed without proper validation or sanitization, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the redirection behavior of the device's web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the vulnerable parameters to redirect users to attacker-controlled domains. When a user interacts with the affected web interface, the device fails to validate the input values before using them in redirect operations. This allows an attacker to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an authenticated user, will redirect them to phishing sites or malicious domains. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the device's web interface. The impact extends beyond simple redirection as it enables sophisticated social engineering attacks where users might be tricked into believing they are accessing legitimate administrative interfaces while actually being directed to malicious sites.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-1405 is significant within enterprise and home network environments where wireless access points are deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct phishing campaigns targeting network administrators, potentially gaining access to sensitive credentials or network configuration details. The vulnerability creates a trust boundary violation where legitimate users are unknowingly redirected to malicious sites, which could be used to harvest login information or deploy malware. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1566 for phishing and T1071 for application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability's exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access the device's web interface for configuration management or troubleshooting purposes, as the attack surface expands with user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the broader network security posture. Organizations should implement firmware updates from the vendor to address the specific redirect handling flaws, though this may not be feasible if the device is no longer supported. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to restrict access to the device's web interface, limiting exposure to unauthorized users. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious redirect attempts, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect anomalous redirect patterns. Security awareness training for network administrators can help identify potential phishing attempts that exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and parameter sanitization in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and OWASP Top Ten. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other network devices and ensure proper security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized redirection attacks.