CVE-2014-4871 in NB604N
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in wlsecurity.html on NetCommWireless NB604N routers with firmware before GAN5.CZ56T-B-NC.AU-R4B030.EN allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the wlWpaPsk parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The CVE-2014-4871 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in NetCommWireless NB604N routers running firmware versions prior to GAN5.CZ56T-B-NC.AU-R4B030.EN. This vulnerability exists within the wlsecurity.html management interface component and specifically targets the wlWpaPsk parameter handling mechanism. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated users who interact with the router's web administration interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the router's web server component. When the wlWpaPsk parameter is processed, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content. This insufficient sanitization creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist in the router's configuration interface. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication to the router's administrative functions, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by any remote user who can access the router's web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and persistent backdoor installation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate the router's wireless security settings, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the network, or redirect users to malicious sites when they attempt to access the router's management interface. The vulnerability also poses risks to network integrity as it allows for the modification of wireless security parameters that could compromise the entire network infrastructure. This flaw particularly affects enterprise and home network environments where router administrators may not be regularly updating firmware versions, creating extended attack windows.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to the latest available versions that contain proper input validation patches. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit exposure of router management interfaces to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter values in router management traffic can help detect exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a typical example of how insufficient input validation creates persistent security weaknesses in embedded network devices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application vulnerability exploitation technique, with potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised networks. Organizations should prioritize patch management for embedded networking equipment and maintain inventory tracking of all router models and firmware versions within their network infrastructure to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting across their environments.