CVE-2015-4587 in CellPipe 7130 Router
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Alcatel-Lucent CellPipe 7130 router with firmware 1.0.0.20h.HOL allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "Custom application" field in the "port triggering" menu.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2017
The CVE-2015-4587 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Alcatel-Lucent CellPipe 7130 routers running firmware version 1.0.0.20h.HOL. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of the network device, specifically in the port triggering functionality where users can configure custom applications. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially compromising the entire network management session. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting conditions where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages served to users. The vulnerability's presence in a network infrastructure device like a router creates a particularly dangerous attack surface since it can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the router's web interface. When administrators configure port triggering rules through the "Custom application" field, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the web page context. This allows attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code that gets executed when other users view the affected configuration page. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to the router itself, as the malicious payload is delivered through the web interface that may be accessible to unauthorized users within the network. The vulnerability specifically affects the port triggering menu functionality, which is commonly used for configuring network services and applications, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or compromise network operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the network environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrative credentials, redirect users to malicious websites, or even inject code that could compromise the router's configuration settings. The attack could potentially lead to complete network takeover if the router's management interface is accessible from untrusted networks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol: web protocols and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering, as the vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate web-based interfaces and potentially harvest user credentials. The impact is particularly severe because routers serve as fundamental network infrastructure components, and compromising their management interfaces can lead to widespread network disruption and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4587 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the router firmware to a version that properly sanitizes input fields and implements proper output encoding for all user-supplied data. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls, limiting access to the router's web interface to authorized personnel only and ensuring that administrative interfaces are not exposed to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to isolate critical network infrastructure, enabling web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conducting regular security assessments of network devices. From a defensive perspective, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior in web-based management interfaces and establish incident response procedures specifically for network device compromises. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices in embedded network devices and the necessity of regular firmware updates to address known security flaws.