CVE-2017-16765 in DWR-933
Summary
by MITRE
XSS exists on D-Link DWR-933 1.00(WW)B17 devices via cgi-bin/gui.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16765 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in D-Link DWR-933 1.00(WW)B17 wireless routers, specifically within the web interface handling component cgi-bin/gui.cgi. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the device's web administration interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into web responses. The vulnerability affects the router's management web portal, which is accessible through standard HTTP protocols, making it exploitable from external networks without requiring authentication or privileged access.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the router's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into dynamically generated web content. When users interact with the web interface through the cgi-bin/gui.cgi endpoint, the device processes various parameters without adequate validation, allowing malicious payloads to be executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a critical web application security weakness, specifically addressing improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic reflected XSS pattern where malicious scripts are reflected back to users through the router's web interface, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the router's administrative interface and potentially compromise the entire network. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, modify router configuration settings, redirect traffic, or establish persistent access points within the network. The exposure of the cgi-bin/gui.cgi endpoint through the standard web interface means that any user with access to the router's management portal could be targeted, creating a vector for both passive and active attacks. This vulnerability particularly concerns network administrators as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure, potentially leading to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of network services. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically web shell execution, and T1566 for malicious file execution through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16765 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from D-Link, as the vendor would have likely released patches addressing the input validation gaps in the cgi-bin/gui.cgi component. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including web application firewalls, network segmentation, and monitoring of unusual traffic patterns emanating from the affected device. Access controls should be strengthened through the implementation of secure authentication mechanisms and the restriction of administrative access to trusted networks only. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network devices and ensure comprehensive security coverage. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in network infrastructure devices, particularly those with web-based management interfaces that are inherently exposed to external threats. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other network equipment.