CVE-2018-7355 in MF65
Summary
by MITRE
All versions up to V1.0.0B05 of ZTE MF65 and all versions up to V1.0.0B02 of ZTE MF65M1 are impacted by cross-site scripting vulnerability. Due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to conduct reflected XSS or HTML injection attacks on the devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7355 affects ZTE MF65 and MF65M1 mobile broadband devices, representing a critical cross-site scripting weakness that undermines the security posture of these network communication tools. This flaw exists in firmware versions up to V1.0.0B05 for MF65 and V1.0.0B02 for MF65M1, indicating a widespread issue across multiple device iterations within the ZTE product line. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms during web page generation processes, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors targeting these specific hardware platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper neutralization of user-supplied input data within the web interface components of these devices. When the affected systems process web requests containing malicious script payloads, the insufficient sanitization allows attacker-controlled code to be executed within the context of the victim's browser session. This weakness enables both reflected cross-site scripting and HTML injection attacks, where malicious scripts can be injected into web pages viewed by legitimate users. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the web-based management interfaces that administrators and users rely upon for device configuration and monitoring.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations and individuals utilizing these ZTE devices for mobile broadband connectivity. An attacker could exploit this weakness to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute arbitrary code within the browser context of the device management interface. The reflected nature of the XSS attack means that the malicious payload must be delivered through a crafted URL or email link, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios where unsuspecting users might be tricked into clicking malicious links. This vulnerability essentially undermines the trust model of the device's web interface, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive network configuration data and device management functions.
The security implications extend beyond simple script execution, as this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566 for social engineering techniques, as attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access through malicious web content. Organizations deploying these devices face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats where attackers use the XSS vulnerability as a foothold for further exploitation, potentially leading to complete device compromise or unauthorized network access. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that many users may not regularly update firmware, leaving devices exposed to this known weakness for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates from ZTE to address the identified XSS vulnerability, as manufacturers typically release patches to resolve such security flaws. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to protect against exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of mobile broadband infrastructure can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other network components. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while maintaining awareness of the broader threat landscape surrounding mobile network devices. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust input validation practices in all networked devices, particularly those with web-based management interfaces.