CVE-2018-0582 in RT-AC68U
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in ASUS RT-AC68U Firmware version prior to 3.0.0.4.380.1031 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2020
The CVE-2018-0582 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in ASUS RT-AC68U wireless routers running firmware versions prior to 3.0.0.4.380.1031. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based administration interface of the router, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of the victim's browser session. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the router's web interface could potentially be exploited, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the router's web interface components. When users interact with the administrative web portal, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it back to the browser. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through various parameters or form fields that are not adequately filtered or escaped. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or local network presence to exploit it, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential impact. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious payloads that are submitted through web forms, URL parameters, or other input mechanisms within the router's web administration interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-0582 extends far beyond simple script injection, as it can potentially enable complete compromise of the affected router and the networks it protects. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative functions, modify network settings, redirect traffic, or even install malicious firmware. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where these routers may serve as primary network gateways, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. Additionally, the compromised router could be used as a launching point for further attacks against internal network resources, making it a valuable asset for attackers seeking to expand their foothold within a target organization. The vulnerability also poses risks to user privacy and data integrity, as attackers could potentially intercept or manipulate network traffic passing through the compromised device.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0582 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 3.0.0.4.380.1031 or later, which ASUS released to address this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all network devices. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for Scripting and T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol, highlighting the need for layered defensive approaches. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a successful exploitation and establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated firmware to ensure compatibility with existing network configurations and services.