CVE-2019-18842 in USR IOT USR-WIFI232 Low Power WiFi Module
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the configuration web interface of the Jinan USR IOT USR-WIFI232-S/T/G2/H Low Power WiFi Module with web version 1.2.2 allows attackers to leak credentials of the Wi-Fi access point the module is logged into, and the web interface login credentials, by opening a Wi-Fi access point nearby with a malicious SSID.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2024
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the web interface of the Jinan USR IOT USR-WIFI232-S/T/G2/H Low Power WiFi Module firmware version 1.2.2. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the affected system. The vulnerability specifically resides in the configuration web interface, which serves as the primary means for users to interact with the device settings and manage network connections. This XSS vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the device's wireless capabilities to establish a malicious network environment. The attack requires an adversary to create a Wi-Fi access point with a malicious SSID that can exploit the XSS flaw when the vulnerable device attempts to connect to or interact with the network.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a combination of malicious network configuration and web interface manipulation. When the device encounters the malicious SSID, the XSS payload embedded within the network configuration or web interface elements executes in the browser context of the authenticated user. This execution allows attackers to access the device's stored credentials including both the Wi-Fi access point credentials that the module is configured to use and the web interface login credentials required to access the device's management interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web interface components that handle network configuration data and user authentication information. This particular implementation flaw aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly handled in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the compromised device and potentially exposes the broader network infrastructure it connects to. Once attackers obtain the Wi-Fi credentials, they can establish persistent connections to the device and monitor network traffic, potentially gaining access to sensitive data flowing through the network. The web interface login credentials provide direct administrative access to the device configuration, enabling attackers to modify network settings, change security parameters, or even install malicious firmware. The attack methodology leverages the device's legitimate network discovery and connection mechanisms, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly as long as the attacker maintains access to the malicious network environment, effectively providing ongoing access to the compromised device and its associated network resources.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering and T1071 for application layer protocol usage. Organizations implementing these devices face significant risk of unauthorized access to their IoT infrastructure, particularly in environments where network security controls are insufficient to prevent the establishment of malicious access points. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in IoT device security architecture where the web interface lacks proper security controls to prevent cross-site scripting attacks. Effective mitigation strategies must include immediate firmware updates from the vendor, network segmentation to isolate IoT devices, and implementation of network access control measures that prevent unauthorized network access. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous network behavior associated with malicious SSID creation and device connection patterns. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices in IoT device development and the necessity for comprehensive security testing of web interfaces in embedded systems.