CVE-2015-7250 in ZXHN H108N R1A
Summary
by MITRE
Absolute path traversal vulnerability in cgi-bin/webproc on ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A devices before ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the getpage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2015-7250 vulnerability represents a critical absolute path traversal flaw in the ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A router firmware, specifically within the cgi-bin/webproc component. This vulnerability exists in devices running firmware versions prior to ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE and allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the device through manipulation of the getpage parameter. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization in the web interface's processing of user-supplied parameters, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file access. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the device's web management interface, which is commonly accessible to remote attackers without authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper path validation within the webproc script, which directly incorporates user-supplied input into file system operations. When an attacker submits a malicious getpage parameter containing an absolute path such as ../../etc/passwd or /etc/shadow, the system processes this input without adequate sanitization, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system and retrieve sensitive information. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided data before using it in file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7250 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to access critical system files that may contain authentication credentials, configuration data, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability affects devices that are typically deployed in residential and small office environments, where the web management interface remains accessible to unauthorized users. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain system configuration files, user credentials, and potentially gain deeper insights into the device's internal structure. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not need physical access to the device or network privileges to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where devices are exposed to the internet. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access and T1083 for file and directory discovery, demonstrating how path traversal can be used to gather system intelligence and access sensitive data.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through simple web requests or automated tools that manipulate the getpage parameter. The affected ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A devices represent a significant attack surface given their widespread deployment in residential networks, where they often serve as the primary gateway between local networks and the internet. Organizations and individuals using these devices face substantial risk as attackers can use this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from the device, potentially leading to further network compromise or unauthorized access to connected systems. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, as the issue could have been prevented through implementation of proper path sanitization and validation mechanisms. Remediation efforts should focus on updating device firmware to versions that properly validate and sanitize user input, implementing network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and applying proper access controls to prevent unauthorized remote access to device management functions.