CVE-2015-4714 in DM500
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the DreamBox DM500-S allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the mode parameter to /body.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2019
The CVE-2015-4714 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the DreamBox DM500-S set-top box device. This vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface of the device, where the mode parameter in the /body endpoint fails to properly sanitize user input. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the DreamBox DM500-S device processes the mode parameter without adequate input validation or output encoding. When a malicious user submits crafted script code through this parameter, the device fails to properly escape or filter the input before returning it to the browser. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled content can be executed as part of the web page rendering process, enabling various attack vectors including session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the device's web interface, which is typically accessible to users within the same network or potentially exposed to external networks if proper network segmentation is not implemented.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4714 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges within the device's management interface. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the device configuration, modify network settings, or even install malicious firmware. The attack surface is amplified when considering that many users may not regularly update their set-top box firmware, leaving these devices vulnerable to exploitation for extended periods. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows for the execution of arbitrary code through web-based interfaces. Additionally, the flaw could enable credential theft if users are logged into the device's web interface, as session cookies and authentication tokens could be stolen through the XSS payload.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4714 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution is to apply the firmware update provided by DreamBox or the device manufacturer, which should include proper input sanitization for the mode parameter. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical network segments, limiting potential attack paths. Web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms should be deployed at network boundaries to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other network devices, as this type of input validation flaw is common across embedded systems. Organizations should also implement security awareness training for personnel managing these devices to recognize potential signs of exploitation attempts and maintain updated inventories of all connected devices to ensure comprehensive coverage of security measures.