CVE-2017-16836 in TG1682G
Summary
by MITRE
Arris TG1682G devices with Comcast TG1682_2.0s7_PRODse 10.0.59.SIP.PC20.CT software allow Unauthenticated Stored XSS via the actionHandler/ajax_managed_services.php service parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The CVE-2017-16836 vulnerability affects Arris TG1682G routers running specific Comcast firmware versions, presenting a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated stored cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability resides within the actionHandler/ajax_managed_services.php endpoint, where the service parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an exploitable injection vector that allows attackers to persist malicious scripts within the device's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the router's web management interface. When the service parameter is submitted to the ajax_managed_services.php endpoint, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This weakness allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts that are then stored on the device and executed whenever the affected page is loaded by any user, including legitimate administrators. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the device's web-based management interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise the router's administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the device's management interface. An unauthenticated attacker can inject malicious code that executes in the context of the router's web interface, potentially allowing for complete device compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. This stored XSS vulnerability is particularly concerning because the injected scripts remain active even after the initial attack vector is closed, making it difficult to detect and remove without proper device reconfiguration or firmware updates. The vulnerability affects a significant number of consumer-grade routers and could potentially be leveraged to create botnets or facilitate further attacks on network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16836 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Arris or Comcast, as these vendors have released patches addressing the input validation issues. Network administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to router management interfaces and restrict administrative access to trusted networks only. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web services, implementing network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of network devices. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and could potentially be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities in their network infrastructure.