CVE-2018-0679 in FXC5210
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in multiple FXC Inc. network devices (Managed Ethernet switch FXC5210/5218/5224 firmware prior to version Ver1.00.22, Managed Ethernet switch FXC5426F firmware prior to version Ver1.00.06, Managed Ethernet switch FXC5428 firmware prior to version Ver1.00.07, Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch FXC5210PE/5218PE/5224PE firmware prior to version Ver1.00.14, and Wireless LAN router AE1021/AE1021PE firmware all versions) allows attacker with administrator rights to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the administrative page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within multiple network devices manufactured by FXC Inc. and affects various managed ethernet switches and wireless routers across different product lines. The flaw specifically resides in the administrative web interfaces of these devices, where insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrator-level access to exploit, meaning that an attacker who has already gained administrative privileges can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary script code within the context of the victim's browser session. This represents a critical security gap in the device's web interface design and falls under the CWE-79 category for cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, which is classified as a fundamental weakness in web application security. The affected firmware versions include specific models such as the FXC5210/5218/5224 series, FXC5426F, FXC5428, FXC5210PE/5218PE/5224PE, and AE1021/AE1021PE wireless routers, indicating a widespread issue across the vendor's product portfolio.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the administrative web pages where attackers can inject malicious script code that will execute in the browser of any user who accesses the compromised interface. This type of attack follows the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web-based attack surfaces. The flaw allows for persistent cross-site scripting attacks that can potentially lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the network infrastructure. When an administrator accesses the administrative interface, any malicious script injected through this vulnerability will execute in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions with full administrative privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the administrative level where attackers already possess elevated permissions, making it a prime target for privilege escalation and persistent access exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection and represents a significant threat to network security and integrity. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness could manipulate the administrative interface to redirect users to malicious sites, steal session cookies, or even modify device configurations. This vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure, potentially allowing them to monitor traffic, modify network settings, or create backdoors for future access. The impact is compounded by the fact that these devices are typically deployed in enterprise environments where they serve as critical network infrastructure components. The vulnerability also affects power over ethernet switches, which are commonly used in environments where network access is tightly controlled, making the potential for lateral movement and privilege escalation particularly concerning. Organizations using these devices face the risk of complete administrative compromise, as the vulnerability essentially allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the administrative context of the device.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates to the latest available versions that contain patches addressing the cross-site scripting flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit administrative access to these devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the administrative interfaces. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting administrative access to the minimum necessary users and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or attempts to exploit web interface vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments of network infrastructure should include vulnerability scanning for similar weaknesses in other network devices. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing of updated firmware to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing network configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against cross-site scripting attacks targeting these administrative interfaces, and maintain detailed logs of administrative activities for forensic analysis and incident response purposes.