CVE-2014-1406 in C54APM
Summary
by MITRE
CRLF injection vulnerability in goform/formWlSiteSurvey on the Conceptronic C54APM access point with runtime code 1.26 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTTP headers and conduct HTTP response splitting attacks via the submit-url parameter in a Refresh action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2019
The CVE-2014-1406 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting and HTTP response splitting flaw discovered in the Conceptronic C54APM wireless access point device. This vulnerability specifically affects the goform/formWlSiteSurvey component within the device's web interface, which operates on runtime code version 1.26. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the Refresh action mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate HTTP headers through the submit-url parameter. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTTP headers directly into the device's response stream, effectively enabling sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of web-based communications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user input within the device's web server component. When the submit-url parameter is processed during a Refresh action, the system fails to adequately sanitize or validate the input data before incorporating it into HTTP response headers. This creates a condition where an attacker can inject carriage return and line feed characters, which are fundamental to HTTP protocol structure, allowing them to insert malicious headers that can manipulate how the response is interpreted by web browsers and intermediary proxies. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-113, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of CRLF characters within HTTP headers, making it a direct descendant of well-established web application security weaknesses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple header injection, as it enables HTTP response splitting attacks that can lead to various sophisticated exploitation techniques. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking by manipulating cookies and authentication tokens, redirect users to malicious websites through crafted Location headers, or even inject malicious content into web responses that can be executed in the context of legitimate user sessions. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the device or network privileges to exploit this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where wireless access points are often deployed without adequate security monitoring. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of HTTP response splitting to manipulate web application behavior and potentially execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1406 require immediate attention from network administrators and security teams responsible for maintaining the Conceptronic C54APM access points. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application code, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous filtering before being processed or included in HTTP responses. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional layers of protection by restricting direct access to the device's web interface from untrusted networks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block CRLF injection attempts, as well as establishing monitoring procedures to identify anomalous HTTP header patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded web applications, particularly those operating in network infrastructure devices where compromise can have widespread implications for entire network security postures.