CVE-2015-6402 in EPC3928
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the management interface on Cisco EPC3928 devices with EDVA 5.5.10, 5.5.11, and 5.7.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an unspecified value, aka Bug ID CSCux24935.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
The CVE-2015-6402 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Cisco EPC3928 devices running EDVA versions 5.5.10, 5.5.11, and 5.7.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the device's management interface, creating a significant security risk for network administrators who rely on these devices for broadband connectivity and network management. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web-based administrative portal, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the device's management interface. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which directly relates to the improper handling of user-supplied data within web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate unspecified input values within the management interface of affected Cisco EPC3928 devices. This allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially compromising the device's administrative interface and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive network configuration data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and further network reconnaissance activities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, and T1566.001: Credential Access: Phishing, as attackers can leverage the XSS flaw to redirect users to malicious sites or steal session cookies. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices are commonly deployed in residential gateway configurations, making them accessible to attackers with minimal network proximity requirements.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6402 is substantial for organizations and network administrators managing Cisco EPC3928 deployments. Successful exploitation could result in complete compromise of the device's management interface, potentially leading to unauthorized network configuration changes, data exfiltration, or use of the device as a pivot point for attacking other network segments. Network security teams face challenges in detecting this vulnerability due to its subtle nature and the fact that it operates within the device's legitimate web interface. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning as it affects multiple firmware versions, indicating a systemic issue within the device's input validation mechanisms. Organizations must consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure, especially given the prevalence of these devices in residential and small business environments where security monitoring may be limited. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing robust network segmentation strategies to limit the potential blast radius of such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6402 should include immediate firmware upgrades to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as provided by Cisco's security advisories. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from general network traffic, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious script content, implementing strict input validation policies, and conducting regular security assessments of network management interfaces. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, where administrative access is restricted to authorized personnel only. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious activity patterns associated with XSS attacks, and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address web application vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of network infrastructure helps identify similar weaknesses that may exist in other network devices or applications. The incident also reinforces the importance of network hygiene practices and the need for continuous security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts before they result in significant security breaches.