CVE-2018-14710 in RT-AC3200
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting in appGet.cgi on ASUS RT-AC3200 version 3.0.0.4.382.50010 allows attackers to execute JavaScript via the "hook" URL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14710 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the ASUS RT-AC3200 router firmware version 3.0.0.4.382.50010. This vulnerability resides within the appGet.cgi web application component that handles various administrative functions for the router's web interface. The flaw specifically manifests when the router processes the "hook" URL parameter, which is typically used for webhook functionality or callback mechanisms within the device's management system. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness that occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into web pages without proper validation or encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the URL parameter structure in the appGet.cgi script. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a specially crafted "hook" parameter, the router's web server fails to properly sanitize or encode the input before returning it in the HTTP response. This allows JavaScript code embedded within the parameter to be executed in the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the router's administrative interface, which typically requires authentication but can be exploited even when users are logged in, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code in the browser context of an authenticated user. This could enable session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the router's administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it represents a significant security risk for home and small office networks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to the router's administrative interface, potentially modifying network settings, redirecting traffic, or even installing malicious firmware. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability affects a widely deployed router model that serves as a central network gateway for many users. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be performed through standard web browser interactions, making it accessible to attackers with basic web exploitation knowledge. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting languages for execution, particularly in network infrastructure contexts where attackers may attempt to compromise network devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14710 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from ASUS, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as network segmentation to limit access to router administrative interfaces and deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL parameters. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, particularly for network infrastructure devices that handle user input through web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous patterns in router web interface access logs, which may indicate exploitation attempts. The security community should also recognize this vulnerability as part of broader concerns regarding the security of IoT and networking equipment, where inadequate input validation and sanitization frequently leads to similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for more serious attacks.