CVE-2019-13495 in XGS2210-52HP
Summary
by MITRE
In firmware version 4.50 of Zyxel XGS2210-52HP, multiple stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issues allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script via an rpSys.html Name or Location field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13495 affects the Zyxel XGS2210-52HP network switch firmware version 4.50, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks against the device's web interface. This vulnerability specifically targets the rpSys.html management page where users can input system information including Name and Location fields, creating a persistent XSS vector that can compromise the device's administrative interface and potentially the broader network infrastructure. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the web management application, allowing malicious scripts to be stored and subsequently executed when legitimate users access the affected fields.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the web application layer of the switch firmware where user-supplied data is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered back to users in the web interface. When an authenticated user accesses the rpSys.html page and views the Name or Location fields containing malicious script code, the browser executes the injected payload in the context of the victim user's session. This stored XSS vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental weakness in web application security. The attack requires only authentication privileges to the device's web interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised legitimate users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack administrative sessions, steal sensitive configuration data, and potentially escalate privileges within the network management environment. The compromised switch could serve as a foothold for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement attacks, with potential implications for the entire network infrastructure that relies on this device for connectivity. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for malicious file execution, as the stored scripts can be used to download and execute additional malicious payloads. Network administrators may experience unauthorized access to device configuration parameters and loss of administrative control over the affected switch.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Zyxel to address the XSS flaws in the web interface, along with network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces to trusted networks only. Implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application, along with regular security audits of web interfaces, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activity in the web interface logs, and administrative users should be trained to recognize potential XSS attack indicators. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of network device management interfaces, particularly those that handle user input and display it back to authenticated users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against XSS attacks targeting network management interfaces.