CVE-2018-13310 in A3002RU
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting in password.htm in TOTOLINK A3002RU version 1.0.8 allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript via the user's username.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13310 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw located in the password.htm web interface component of TOTOLINK A3002RU router firmware version 1.0.8. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application layer, specifically when processing user-provided username data. The vulnerability exists in the authentication interface where the system fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it back to the browser, creating an avenue for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the web application's failure to implement proper sanitization controls for the username parameter. When a user accesses the password.htm page, the system directly incorporates the username value into the HTML response without appropriate encoding or filtering mechanisms. This creates a classic XSS attack vector where an attacker can inject malicious JavaScript code into the username field during authentication attempts. The attack exploits the browser's trust in the application's response, allowing the injected script to execute in the context of the victim's session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the router's administrative interface. An attacker who successfully injects malicious JavaScript code can potentially hijack user sessions, steal administrative credentials, or perform unauthorized configuration changes. The vulnerability affects the router's web-based management interface, which is typically accessible to users within the local network segment, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security controls are insufficient. The attack requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it targets the authentication mechanism that is accessible to any user attempting to log in.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-13310 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the affected web application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-provided input before rendering it in the HTML response, particularly in form fields that are later displayed back to users. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while proper input validation should ensure that special characters are appropriately escaped or filtered. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious login patterns or known attack signatures. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and may be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access through social engineering or compromised credentials.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure web application development practices in network infrastructure devices. Many enterprise and residential routers implement web-based management interfaces that are frequently targeted by attackers due to their privileged access and often outdated security implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can create significant security risks, particularly in devices that are not regularly updated or patched by end users. Security practitioners should prioritize firmware updates from vendors and consider implementing network monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by automated tools or less skilled attackers, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures rather than reactive responses to known vulnerabilities.