CVE-2017-14219 in Wireless N 150Mbps Router
Summary
by MITRE
XSS (persistent) on the Intelbras Wireless N 150Mbps router with firmware WRN 240 allows attackers to steal wireless credentials without being connected to the network, related to userRpm/popupSiteSurveyRpm.htm and userRpm/WlanSecurityRpm.htm. The attack vector is a crafted ESSID, as demonstrated by an "airbase-ng -e" command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2024
The CVE-2017-14219 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Intelbras Wireless N 150Mbps routers running firmware version WRN 240. This persistent XSS vulnerability exists within the web interface of the device, specifically affecting the userRpm/popupSiteSurveyRpm.htm and userRpm/WlanSecurityRpm.htm pages. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of other users who access the affected web interface, creating a significant security risk for wireless network administrators and users who interact with the router's management interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the router's handling of ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) parameters in wireless network scanning operations. Attackers can craft malicious ESSID values using tools like airbase-ng with the -e flag to create a rogue access point that triggers the XSS payload when the router's wireless site survey functionality processes the malformed ESSID. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it does not require the attacker to be physically connected to the network or possess any valid credentials to the target router, making it a sophisticated form of wireless network attack that can be executed remotely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to the router's administrative interface. Once successfully exploited, the malicious scripts can capture wireless credentials, modify router configurations, redirect traffic, or even install additional malware on the device. The persistent nature of the XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active across multiple sessions and user interactions, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 Exploitation for Credential Access, where adversaries leverage web application vulnerabilities to obtain sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Intelbras to address the XSS flaws in the affected web interface components. Network administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate critical router management interfaces from general network traffic and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious script injections. Additionally, regular security assessments of wireless network infrastructure should include testing for similar XSS vulnerabilities in network management interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in network device management interfaces where administrators enter sensitive configuration parameters that could be exploited through crafted input values. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous wireless network behavior associated with rogue access point creation, as this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader wireless network compromise campaigns.