CVE-2016-10864 in EX7000
Summary
by MITRE
NETGEAR EX7000 V1.0.0.42_1.0.94 devices allow XSS via the SSID.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2016-10864 affects NETGEAR EX7000 wireless routers running firmware versions V1.0.0.42_1.0.94 and potentially earlier versions. This device operates as a wireless access point and router, commonly deployed in residential and small office environments. The vulnerability manifests as a cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the SSID (Service Set Identifier) parameter within the device's web-based management interface. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the router's web server component that processes configuration parameters submitted through the user interface.
The technical flaw represents a classic XSS vulnerability classified under CWE-79, which occurs when user-supplied data is improperly sanitized before being rendered back to users in web pages. In this case, the SSID field serves as the attack vector where malicious input containing script code can be injected and subsequently executed within the context of authenticated users' browsers. When an attacker crafts a malicious SSID value containing JavaScript payloads and configures it through the vulnerable interface, the malicious code becomes persistent in the web application's response. The vulnerability exists because the device fails to properly encode or escape special characters in the SSID value before displaying it in the web interface, allowing attackers to inject executable scripts that can be triggered when other users view the configuration page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for network administrators and end-users who rely on the EX7000 router for network connectivity. An attacker who gains access to the router's administrative interface or can manipulate network traffic to inject malicious SSID values could execute arbitrary code in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users access the router's management interface, as any authenticated user could be exploited. Additionally, the attack could be performed remotely if the router's management interface is accessible from external networks, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the entire network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from NETGEAR, which would contain proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent XSS exploitation. Network administrators should ensure that the router's management interface is not accessible from untrusted networks and implement proper network segmentation. The use of secure network protocols and authentication measures can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns can provide additional defense in depth. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary administrative access and regularly auditing router configurations to identify potential security weaknesses. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it allows for the execution of malicious scripts within the browser context of authenticated users.