CVE-2019-3418 in ZXHN F670
Summary
by MITRE
All versions up to V1.1.10P3T18 of ZTE ZXHN F670 product are impacted by cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS). Due to incomplete input validation, an authorized user can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2023
The CVE-2019-3418 vulnerability affects ZTE ZXHN F670 routers running firmware versions up to V1.1.10P3T18, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that compromises the security of network devices. This vulnerability resides in the web-based management interface of the router, where insufficient input validation allows authenticated users to inject malicious scripts into the device's web interface. The flaw specifically manifests when the device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, creating an environment where malicious code can be executed within the context of the router's administrative interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and falls under the broader category of injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates through a classic XSS attack vector where an attacker with legitimate administrative credentials can manipulate input fields within the router's web interface to inject malicious JavaScript code. This code then executes in the browser of any user who accesses the affected management pages, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the device. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker must first obtain valid administrative credentials, but once obtained, the vulnerability provides a potent means of persistent access and control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to maintain persistent access to the network infrastructure through the compromised router. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to redirect users to malicious sites, steal administrative sessions, or modify router configurations without detection. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the web management interface, which is typically the primary point of interaction for network administrators. This creates a scenario where legitimate administrators could unknowingly execute malicious code while performing routine maintenance tasks, leading to potential data breaches, network disruption, or complete compromise of the device's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3418 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from ZTE to address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, employ strict access controls using role-based permissions, and monitor for unusual activity in router management logs. Security measures including web application firewalls and regular security audits of network device interfaces can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should enforce strong authentication practices including multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation to minimize the risk of unauthorized access that could lead to exploitation of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566 for Phishing, as the attack vector typically involves web-based exploitation that could lead to further credential compromise and lateral movement within the network.