CVE-2016-8719 in AWK-3131A
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability exists in the Web Application functionality of Moxa AWK-3131A Wireless Access Point running firmware 1.1. Specially crafted input, in multiple parameters, can cause a malicious scripts to be executed by a victim.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2020
The CVE-2016-8719 vulnerability represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the Moxa AWK-3131A Wireless Access Point firmware version 1.1. This vulnerability resides in the web application interface that administrators and users interact with to configure and manage the wireless access point. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed by victims who view the compromised content. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the device's web portal. The Moxa AWK-3131A is a wireless access point designed for industrial and commercial applications, making its web interface a critical attack surface that could potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. The reflected nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload is reflected off the web server back to the victim's browser, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various attack vectors including phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised websites that redirect users to the vulnerable device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web application's parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted requests that include malicious script payloads in multiple parameters of the web interface. When a victim's browser processes these requests and displays the reflected content, the embedded scripts execute in the victim's browser context with the privileges of the victim user. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a condition where a web application fails to properly validate or encode user input before including it in dynamically generated web pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative interface of a network device, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the device configuration, view sensitive information, or even redirect traffic through the compromised access point.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8719 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the network environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized configuration changes, redirect users to malicious websites, or even establish persistent access to the network through the compromised access point. The vulnerability's exploitation is relatively straightforward, requiring only basic knowledge of web application security and the ability to craft malicious URLs that contain reflected script payloads. This makes it a particularly attractive target for automated exploitation tools and less sophisticated attackers. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the web interface provides administrative functions, allowing attackers to gain elevated access to the device and potentially use it as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects not only the device's own security posture but also poses risks to the broader network infrastructure that relies on the wireless access point for connectivity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8719 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution is to update the Moxa AWK-3131A firmware to a version that addresses this vulnerability, as Moxa would have released patches to correct the input validation issues. Network administrators should also implement proper input validation at the network perimeter using web application firewalls or similar security controls that can detect and block malicious script payloads. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded in the web interface. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of network devices should include web application security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of critical network devices to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for phishing, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures that address both technical and social engineering aspects of the threat landscape. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web interface access and regular security updates can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.