CVE-2022-21799 in WRC-300FEBK-R
Summary
by MITRE • 02/08/2022
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in ELECOM LAN router WRC-300FEBK-R firmware v1.13 and earlier allows an attacker on the adjacent network to inject an arbitrary script via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2022
The CVE-2022-21799 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the ELECOM LAN router model WRC-300FEBK-R running firmware versions 1.13 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the web-based management interface of the router, creating a significant security risk for organizations that rely on this networking equipment. The flaw allows an attacker positioned on the same local network segment to execute malicious scripts against authenticated users who interact with the router's administrative interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application layer of the firmware, making it susceptible to persistent and reflected XSS attacks. Given that the affected devices are commonly deployed in office environments and small to medium-sized enterprises, the potential impact extends beyond simple script execution to encompass complete network compromise and data exfiltration capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the router's web interface, likely involving parameters or input fields that are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. This type of vulnerability typically manifests when user-controllable data is directly incorporated into web pages without proper HTML escaping or validation. The attacker can craft malicious payloads that, when executed in a victim's browser, can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or modifying the router's configuration settings. The adjacent network access requirement means that physical proximity or network infiltration is necessary for exploitation, but this still represents a significant threat vector since local network access often provides a foothold for further attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and it can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.1001 for application layer protocol: web protocols, as it exploits web-based administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-21799 extends far beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to router administrative functions. Once exploited, an attacker can modify network configurations, redirect traffic through malicious proxies, or establish persistent backdoors within the local network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed enterprise networking device where administrators may have elevated privileges and access to sensitive network infrastructure. The exposure of router management interfaces to XSS attacks can lead to complete network compromise, especially when combined with other attack vectors or when administrators are tricked into interacting with malicious content. Organizations using affected routers face risks of data interception, network disruption, and potential lateral movement within their local networks, as the compromised router becomes a potential pivot point for further attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in firmware development, highlighting the need for comprehensive input validation and secure coding practices in network device software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-21799 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from ELECOM, as the vendor has likely released patches addressing this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to router management interfaces to authorized personnel only, while also restricting administrative access to specific IP addresses or ranges. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the router's web interface ports. Multi-factor authentication should be implemented where possible for router access, and administrators should be trained to recognize phishing attempts that might lead to XSS exploitation. Regular security audits should include testing for similar vulnerabilities in other network devices, as this vulnerability demonstrates that many networking equipment manufacturers have inadequate security testing processes. The organization should also implement web application firewalls to detect and prevent XSS attacks targeting the router management interface, and establish incident response procedures specifically for network device compromises. Additionally, network administrators should regularly review and rotate administrative credentials, disable unnecessary services, and maintain detailed logs of router access attempts to aid in forensic analysis if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date network device firmware and implementing robust security controls for all network infrastructure components.