CVE-2018-4065 in AirLink ES450
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in the ACEManager ping_result.cgi functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. A specially crafted HTTP ping request can cause reflected javascript code execution, resulting in the execution of javascript code running on the victim's browser. An attacker can get a victim to click a link, or embedded URL, that redirects to the reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The CVE-2018-4065 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 firmware version 4.9.3, specifically affecting the ACEManager ping_result.cgi component. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user input in the ping functionality, creating an environment where malicious JavaScript code can be injected and executed within the context of a victim's browser session. The affected device operates as a network management interface that allows remote monitoring and control of network connections, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a reflected XSS attack vector where an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing JavaScript payload within the ping functionality parameters. When the victim's browser processes this request and displays the reflected content without proper sanitization or encoding, the injected JavaScript code executes in the victim's browser context. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios or when embedded in malicious web content. The vulnerability specifically targets the ping_result.cgi script which handles network diagnostic requests, making it a legitimate function that could be exploited without raising immediate suspicion.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4065 extends beyond simple script execution to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. Since the AirLink ES450 serves as a critical network management device, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to network monitoring capabilities, potentially leading to further attacks on connected systems. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need to store malicious code on the target system, making detection more challenging. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to leverage social engineering to deliver malicious payloads. Network administrators face significant risk as the device may be accessible from untrusted networks, potentially allowing remote exploitation without physical access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4065 require immediate firmware updates from Sierra Wireless, as the vulnerability exists in version 4.9.3 and earlier releases. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, restrict access to only authorized personnel, and deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious XSS payloads. Input validation and output encoding should be implemented at the application level to ensure all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious ping requests and unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious links and the importance of verifying URLs before clicking should be emphasized to reduce successful social engineering attacks that could leverage this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust security controls in network infrastructure devices.