CVE-2014-9142 in TD5130 Router
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Technicolor Router TD5130 with firmware 2.05.C29GV allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the failrefer parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2024
The CVE-2014-9142 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Technicolor TD5130 routers running firmware version 2.05.C29GV. This vulnerability resides in the web interface of the router and specifically affects the failrefer parameter handling mechanism. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the router's web-based management interface, creating a significant security risk for network administrators and users who interact with the device through web browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the router's web server component. When the failrefer parameter is processed without proper sanitization, the system fails to properly encode or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This parameter processing occurs in the router's web interface handling logic, where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into the response without appropriate security measures. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected cross-site scripting issue where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user's browser without proper context-aware encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the network environment. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts in the context of the router's web interface, potentially allowing them to steal session cookies, modify router configuration settings, or redirect users to malicious websites. Network administrators who access the router's management interface through web browsers become susceptible to these attacks, as the malicious scripts can persistently target their browser sessions. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and home network environments where router management interfaces are frequently accessed by authorized personnel.
The security implications of CVE-2014-9142 align with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a critical weakness in web applications. This classification emphasizes the fundamental nature of the flaw as a failure to properly handle untrusted data in web contexts. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability would be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and potentially T1566 for credential access through social engineering if attackers use the XSS to steal administrative credentials. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication makes it particularly dangerous in environments where network devices are accessible from untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Technicolor to address the specific input validation flaws in the web interface. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to router management interfaces to trusted administrative networks only. Additional protective measures include disabling web management interfaces when not actively needed, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and conducting regular security assessments of network infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems, particularly in network devices where web interfaces are commonly exposed to potentially malicious users. Organizations should establish robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates for network infrastructure devices.