CVE-2017-11647 in 4GT101W
Summary
by MITRE
NetComm Wireless 4GT101W routers with Hardware: 0.01 / Software: V1.1.8.8 / Bootloader: 1.1.3 are vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting attacks. Creating an SSID with an XSS payload results in successful exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11647 affects NetComm Wireless 4GT101W routers running specific firmware versions including hardware revision 0.01, software version V1.1.8.8, and bootloader version 1.1.3. This represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of the router's web interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the router's configuration management system, specifically when processing SSID (Service Set Identifier) values entered by administrators. The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into the router's configuration parameters, which then gets executed whenever the affected page is loaded or accessed by any user with administrative privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the SSID field during router configuration, where the attacker can embed malicious JavaScript code within the SSID string. When the router's web interface displays this SSID value in its configuration pages, the malicious script executes in the context of the administrator's browser session. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists within the router's configuration until manually removed, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and specifically aligns with the stored XSS variant where user input is permanently stored and then executed without proper sanitization. The attack vector leverages the router's web administration interface, making it accessible through standard HTTP connections without requiring specialized tools or elevated privileges beyond initial access to the configuration page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive router configuration data, administrative controls, and network management functions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface, modify network settings, create new user accounts, or even redirect network traffic through malicious DNS configurations. The implications are particularly severe given that the router serves as the primary gateway for network traffic, making it a critical point of compromise for entire local networks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1071.004 for application layer protocol: DNS and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter: powershell, as attackers could leverage the compromised router to execute malicious commands or redirect DNS queries. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that even after the initial exploitation, the attacker maintains access to the compromised system until the malicious payload is removed from the configuration, creating an ongoing threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11647 primarily focus on firmware updates provided by NetComm Wireless, which should include proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms for all user-supplied parameters including SSID values. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to the affected router's web interface, ensuring that administrative access is restricted to trusted personnel and requires strong authentication mechanisms. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the router's administrative ports and web interfaces. Security administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces and implementing network access control lists to restrict access to only authorized administrative workstations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation at all levels of network device management interfaces and underscores the necessity of regular firmware updates to address known security flaws. Additionally, network administrators should conduct regular security assessments of network infrastructure devices to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.