CVE-2018-11027 in ICX7450-48
Summary
by MITRE
A reflected XSS vulnerability on Ruckus ICX7450-48 devices allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2020
The CVE-2018-11027 vulnerability represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Ruckus ICX7450-48 network switches, which are widely deployed in enterprise and industrial networking environments. This vulnerability exists within the web-based management interface of the device, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication. The affected device model is part of Ruckus' ICX series, which provides Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities for medium to large enterprise networks. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's web management portal where user input is not properly sanitized before being reflected back to the browser, creating an avenue for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this reflected XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web interface components of the ICX7450-48 device. When a user visits a maliciously crafted URL containing script code, the device fails to properly sanitize the input parameters before returning them in the HTTP response. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability is classified as reflected because the malicious payload is included in the request and then reflected back in the response, making it particularly dangerous for web-based management interfaces. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and the attack vector is classified as network-based requiring no special privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11027 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise network security. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject persistent malware into the network infrastructure. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can craft URLs that appear legitimate to network administrators, potentially leading to successful social engineering attacks. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to critical network management functions, potentially enabling attackers to modify switch configurations, create backdoor access points, or disrupt network operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many network administrators regularly access these management interfaces, making them prime targets for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11027 should encompass both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the management interfaces. Network administrators should also apply the latest firmware updates from Ruckus, which contain patches specifically designed to address the input validation issues. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection by filtering malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable interface. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1566 for Phishing, indicating the need for comprehensive security measures including user education and network monitoring. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing strict access controls, and conducting regular security audits of network infrastructure components to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also establish network monitoring procedures that can detect anomalous traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.