CVE-2017-18485 in Dino
Summary
by MITRE
Cognitoys Dino devices allow profiles_add.html CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18485 affects Cognitoys Dino devices and represents a cross-site request forgery flaw in the profiles_add.html web interface component. This weakness allows authenticated attackers to perform unauthorized actions within the device's management system without proper user consent or awareness. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's profile management functionality where users can add new profiles through the web interface. The CSRF attack exploits the trust relationship between the victim browser and the target device, enabling malicious actors to manipulate device configurations through crafted requests that appear legitimate to the system.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-352 category of Cross-Site Request Forgery, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications and embedded systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique under the T1068 privilege escalation tactic, as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to device management functions. The device's web interface fails to implement proper anti-CSRF tokens or validation mechanisms that would normally prevent unauthorized requests from being executed on behalf of authenticated users. This absence of security controls creates an attack surface where malicious actors can manipulate device profiles, potentially leading to unauthorized access or configuration changes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple profile manipulation as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the device ecosystem. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability could modify device settings, add malicious profiles, or potentially gain elevated privileges within the system. The embedded nature of the Dino devices means that such exploitation could compromise the entire network infrastructure if these devices serve as gateways or are connected to sensitive network segments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the device's administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to modify security configurations or establish persistent access points.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper CSRF protection mechanisms including the use of anti-CSRF tokens that are generated per session and validated on each request. Device manufacturers should ensure that all administrative functions require proper authentication and validation before executing any configuration changes. The implementation of SameSite cookies and proper request origin validation would prevent unauthorized cross-site requests from being processed. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, regular security updates and patch management processes should be established to address such vulnerabilities promptly. Organizations should also conduct regular penetration testing and security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in embedded systems and web interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security best practices to all components of network infrastructure, including embedded devices that may not receive the same level of security attention as traditional web applications.