CVE-2017-2274 in WMR-433
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in WMR-433 firmware Ver.1.02 and earlier, WMR-433W firmware Ver.1.40 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2274 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Weather Message Receiver devices, specifically the WMR-433 and WMR-433W models. This security weakness resides within the firmware implementations of these weather monitoring devices, which are commonly deployed in residential and commercial environments for receiving weather data transmissions. The vulnerability affects firmware versions up to and including Ver.1.02 for WMR-433 and Ver.1.40 for WMR-433W, indicating that a significant portion of the deployed device base remains susceptible to exploitation. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content through unspecified vectors, creating a pathway for various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized access to the affected devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the scope of CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications and embedded systems. This classification indicates that the vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the device's web interface or API endpoints. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack surface encompasses multiple potential entry points including HTTP request parameters, form fields, or possibly even device configuration interfaces that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly concerning for IoT deployments where devices may be exposed to untrusted network environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating substantial risks for both individual users and enterprise deployments. An attacker could potentially execute malicious code within the context of a user's browser session, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive weather data, device configuration information, or even the possibility of using the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network. The embedded nature of these devices means that exploitation could compromise not just the device itself but also any connected systems that trust the device's network communications. Additionally, the widespread deployment of these weather receivers in residential settings means that personal data collection and transmission could be intercepted or manipulated, potentially affecting privacy and security of home networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2274 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer, as this represents the most direct and effective remediation approach for the identified vulnerability. Organizations and individuals should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while employing web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious script injection patterns. Network administrators should consider implementing additional access controls and authentication mechanisms to reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device lifecycle management, including regular firmware updates and proper network configuration practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation through session manipulation, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks that address both endpoint and network security controls.