CVE-2018-10164 in EAP Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Stored Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the TP-Link EAP Controller and Omada Controller versions 2.5.4_Windows/2.6.0_Windows allows authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the implementation of portalPictureUpload functionality. This is fixed in version 2.6.1_Windows.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2020
The CVE-2018-10164 vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw affecting TP-Link EAP Controller and Omada Controller software versions 2.5.4_Windows and 2.6.0_Windows. This vulnerability resides within the portalPictureUpload functionality, which serves as a legitimate feature for uploading portal images and graphics to the controller interface. The flaw enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML code that gets permanently stored within the application's database or file system. Once stored, these malicious payloads execute whenever the affected portal images are accessed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise multiple users within the network management environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms that should normally sanitize and validate all user-supplied data before storage, demonstrating a failure in the application's security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess valid authentication credentials to access the controller interface, which reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active even after the initial injection, creating a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over time. The flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting vulnerabilities, and more specifically CWE-80 which deals with improper neutralization of script in a context where it is expected to be treated as data. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to network administrators who rely on these controllers for managing wireless access points and network security policies.
The impact of CVE-2018-10164 extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable sophisticated attacks including credential harvesting, session manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Network administrators who manage wireless networks through these controllers become prime targets for attackers seeking to compromise their administrative access. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the controller's user interface and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive network configuration data, user management features, and access point settings. Organizations using these controllers face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that can leverage the stored XSS to maintain long-term access to their wireless network management systems. The fix implemented in version 2.6.1_Windows addresses the root cause by implementing proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms for all uploaded portal images, ensuring that malicious payloads cannot be stored or executed within the application environment.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential harvesting through social engineering and web application attacks. The attack chain typically begins with authentication and privilege escalation, followed by the exploitation of the stored XSS to maintain access and potentially escalate privileges further. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management strategies to ensure timely deployment of security updates and regularly review their access controls to limit the potential impact of authenticated attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where users have elevated privileges and can potentially cause widespread damage through successful exploitation. Network security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious upload activities as additional defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities.