CVE-2018-10700 in AWK-3121
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Moxa AWK-3121 1.19 devices. It provides functionality so that an administrator can change the name of the device. However, the same functionality allows an attacker to execute XSS by injecting an XSS payload. The POST parameter "iw_board_deviceName" is susceptible to this injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10700 affects Moxa AWK-3121 devices running firmware version 1.19, representing a critical security flaw in network infrastructure equipment. This device serves as a wireless access point and communication gateway, making it a potential entry point for attackers targeting industrial control systems and network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the device management interface, specifically in the device name modification functionality that administrators can utilize to rename the device for identification purposes.
The technical flaw manifests through improper sanitization of user input in the POST parameter named "iw_board_deviceName," which is designed to accept device name changes through the web-based management interface. This parameter becomes vulnerable to cross-site scripting attacks when malicious payloads are injected during the device name modification process. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as a cross-site scripting weakness, where the application fails to validate or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious JavaScript payloads within the device name field, which then executes in the context of other users who view the affected device information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the device management interface. When an administrator or other authenticated user visits the device configuration page, the malicious script executes in their browser session, potentially allowing for session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the device. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial environments where Moxa devices are deployed as part of critical infrastructure, as it could enable attackers to disrupt communications or gain persistent access to network segments. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since the injection occurs through a legitimate administrative function, making it difficult to detect and trace.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Moxa to address the input validation flaw, combined with network segmentation to limit access to the device management interface. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitor web interface usage for suspicious activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for credential harvesting through web interfaces. Security monitoring should include inspection of HTTP POST requests containing device name parameters and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, network administrators should regularly audit device configurations and implement least privilege access controls to minimize the impact of potential exploitation.