CVE-2017-2148 in WN-AC1167GR
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in WN-AC1167GR firmware version 1.04 and earlier allows remote authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2020
The CVE-2017-2148 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the WN-AC1167GR wireless network access point firmware versions 1.04 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of web application security weaknesses that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The flaw specifically affects the authentication mechanism of the device, allowing attackers who have already established valid credentials to exploit the system through unspecified vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding within the web interface of the network device, creating an avenue for malicious code injection that could potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the firmware's web management interface. Attackers with legitimate authentication credentials can manipulate various parameters through the device's web-based administration panel, injecting malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The attack vector typically involves manipulation of form fields, URL parameters, or other input mechanisms that are not properly validated before being processed or displayed within the web interface. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that an attacker who has obtained legitimate user credentials can leverage this weakness to escalate their privileges or steal sensitive information.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend far beyond simple script injection, as it creates a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks within network environments. When an authenticated attacker can inject malicious scripts into the web interface, they can potentially access session cookies, steal administrative credentials, or redirect users to malicious domains. This vulnerability enables a range of attack patterns that align with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as well as T1566 for Phishing, where the injected scripts can be used to harvest credentials from unsuspecting users. The presence of such a vulnerability in network infrastructure devices like wireless access points creates a particularly dangerous scenario because these devices often serve as central points of network access, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or move laterally within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2148 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions that address the identified XSS vulnerabilities. Network administrators must ensure that all affected devices are promptly updated to the latest firmware releases provided by the vendor, which should include proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access control measures can limit the potential impact of exploitation, while regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network components. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious activity in the web interface logs and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block potential XSS payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation policies to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to network management interfaces. Compliance with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requires that such vulnerabilities be identified and addressed through comprehensive risk management processes that include both technical and administrative controls.