CVE-2016-9494 in HN7740S
Summary
by MITRE
Hughes high-performance broadband satellite modems, models HN7740S DW7000 HN7000S/SM, are potentially vulnerable to improper input validation. The device's advanced status web page that is linked to from the basic status web page does not appear to properly parse malformed GET requests. This may lead to a denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9494 affects Hughes high-performance broadband satellite modems including models HN7740S DW7000 HN7000S/SM, representing a significant security concern within the telecommunications infrastructure domain. These devices operate as critical components in satellite communication networks, providing high-speed internet connectivity to remote and rural locations where traditional broadband infrastructure is unavailable. The affected modems are designed to handle web-based management interfaces that allow administrators to monitor and configure device settings through standard web browsers.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper input validation mechanism within the device's web interface implementation. Specifically, the advanced status web page which is accessible through a hyperlink from the basic status page fails to properly parse GET requests containing malformed or unexpected parameters. This vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and validation of user-supplied input that flows directly into the web application's request handling logic. The lack of proper input validation creates a condition where maliciously crafted HTTP GET requests can cause the web server component of the modem to behave unpredictably, leading to system instability and service disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it represents a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure. When the web interface becomes unresponsive due to malformed input processing, legitimate administrators lose access to critical management functions, potentially disrupting services for end users who depend on satellite connectivity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness that allows attackers to manipulate application behavior through malformed data inputs. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities within the same system or network.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and privilege escalation through web application attacks. The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted GET requests to the affected web interface, potentially causing the modem's web server to crash or enter an infinite loop. The denial of service condition affects the availability of management services, which can be particularly damaging in mission-critical applications where continuous connectivity is essential. Network administrators may find themselves unable to perform routine maintenance or troubleshoot issues, leading to extended service interruptions that impact end-user experience.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9494 should include immediate firmware updates from Hughes to address the input validation flaw, network segmentation to limit access to the affected web interface, and implementation of web application firewalls to filter malicious requests. Additionally, administrators should disable unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required, implement access controls to restrict web interface access to trusted IP addresses, and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous web traffic patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly those operating in critical infrastructure environments where reliability and availability are paramount considerations for maintaining network connectivity and service delivery.