CVE-2015-7790 in WL-330NUL
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability on ASUS Japan WL-330NUL devices with firmware before 3.0.0.42 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2018
The CVE-2015-7790 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in ASUS Japan WL-330NUL wireless routers, affecting devices running firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.42. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising user security and data integrity. The vulnerability was particularly concerning as it affected a widely deployed consumer-grade networking device that serves as a primary internet gateway for many households and small businesses.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web interface of the affected ASUS routers. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that get executed when legitimate users navigate to the router's administration interface. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the web application could be compromised, potentially including parameters in HTTP requests, form fields, or even URL components. This broad attack surface increases the exploitability of the vulnerability, as attackers do not need to identify specific input fields to target. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring physical access to the device or sophisticated network reconnaissance.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7790 extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities. Attackers can use this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify web content displayed to users, or even execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices. The implications are particularly severe in environments where users frequently access the router's web interface for configuration management, as this creates regular opportunities for exploitation. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers web protocols and applications, and represents a common entry point for lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability also contributes to broader attack chains that may include credential theft, man-in-the-middle attacks, or the establishment of persistent backdoors through compromised network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7790 primarily focus on firmware updates, which ASUS addressed through the release of firmware version 3.0.0.42 and subsequent patches. Network administrators should prioritize immediate firmware upgrades across all affected devices, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, restricting administrative access to specific IP addresses, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block XSS payloads. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious traffic patterns and anomalous access to router administrative interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control policies that limit which devices can connect to administrative interfaces, thereby reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in network infrastructure devices, as these components often serve as primary attack vectors in broader cyber campaigns.