CVE-2021-43728 in MiNi Router 28K
Summary
by MITRE • 05/20/2022
Pix-Link MiNi Router 28K.MiniRouter.20190211 was discovered to contain a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to an unsanitized SSID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2022
The Pix-Link MiNi Router 28K.MiniRouter.20190211 represents a network device that falls under the category of wireless access points and routers commonly deployed in small office or home environments. This particular model contains a critical security flaw that allows attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a user's browser when interacting with the device's web-based administrative interface. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the router's web management system, specifically in how it handles the Service Set Identifier parameter that defines the wireless network name. The stored nature of this cross-site scripting vulnerability means that malicious script code injected by an attacker can persist within the router's configuration and execute whenever a user visits the affected web interface, making this a particularly dangerous flaw for both individual users and organizations that rely on this device for network connectivity.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web page content without proper validation or sanitization. The specific flaw occurs in the handling of the SSID parameter, which is a critical configuration element used to identify wireless networks. When an attacker successfully injects malicious JavaScript code into this parameter, the code gets stored within the router's configuration and executed whenever the web interface is accessed by any user, including legitimate administrators. This creates a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions, steal authentication credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's classification as stored XSS places it within the more severe category of XSS flaws since the malicious code is not limited to a single request but remains active within the device's configuration until manually removed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple browser-based attacks to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures. An attacker who gains access to the router's administrative interface through this vulnerability can modify network settings, change firewall rules, redirect traffic, or even install malicious firmware updates. This represents a significant threat to network security as the router serves as a central point of control for network traffic and access. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations using these devices since they may not immediately detect the compromise, and the persistent nature of stored XSS means that the vulnerability remains active even after the initial attack window has passed. Network administrators who regularly access the device's web interface become potential victims of session hijacking attacks, where attackers can impersonate legitimate users and gain unauthorized access to network resources. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent backdoors or to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks against network traffic, especially if the router's default credentials remain unchanged or if users are tricked into visiting compromised pages.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should begin with immediate firmware updates from the vendor, although the specific nature of this flaw suggests that it may require a complete reconfiguration of the device's web interface or a complete replacement of the affected hardware. Network administrators should implement strict input validation measures at the network level to detect and prevent malicious traffic patterns, particularly around the SSID parameter. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers within the router's web interface could provide additional protection against script execution, though this would be a secondary measure given the stored nature of the vulnerability. Organizations should also consider network segmentation strategies that isolate devices using these routers from critical network infrastructure, and implement monitoring systems that can detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the need for robust web application security practices, particularly for devices that expose web interfaces to end users. Regular security audits of network infrastructure should include checks for similar vulnerabilities in other network devices, as this type of flaw is often indicative of broader security weaknesses in embedded systems and IoT devices. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the dangers of visiting untrusted websites while logged into network administration interfaces, as well as the importance of changing default passwords and implementing strong authentication measures.