CVE-2015-7252 in ZXHN H108N R1A
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in cgi-bin/webproc on ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A devices before ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the errorpage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The CVE-2015-7252 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw located within the web management interface of ZTE ZXHN H108N R1A broadband wireless routers. This vulnerability exists in the cgi-bin/webproc component and affects all firmware versions prior to the ZTE.bhs.ZXHNH108NR1A.k_PE release, making it a widespread issue across numerous deployed devices in both residential and small office environments. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the errorpage parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the router's web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic XSS attack pattern where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the errorpage parameter and delivers it to unsuspecting users who visit the compromised router's management interface. When the vulnerable device processes this input and renders it without proper sanitization or encoding, the injected script executes within the context of the user's browser session, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding within the router's web server component.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7252 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to fully compromise the router's management interface and potentially gain unauthorized access to the underlying network. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to modify router settings, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, or establish persistent access points within the network. The remote nature of the attack means that no physical access or local network presence is required, making it particularly dangerous for unsecured home networks where router administration interfaces may be accessible from the internet. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers web protocols for command and control communications, as compromised routers could be used as staging points for further network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on firmware updates from ZTE, which would include proper input validation and output encoding for the errorpage parameter. Network administrators should immediately disable remote management access to affected devices and implement firewall rules that restrict access to the router's web interface from external networks. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls, implementing proper network segmentation, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of networked devices. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for web interfaces that handle user-provided data, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintain up-to-date inventories of all network devices to ensure comprehensive vulnerability management coverage.