CVE-2023-49260 in H8951-4G-ESP
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2024
An XSS attack can be performed by changing the MOTD banner and pointing the victim to the "terminal_tool.cgi" path. It can be used together with the vulnerability CVE-2023-49255.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49260 represents a cross-site scripting flaw that emerges from improper input validation within web applications. This weakness specifically manifests when administrators modify the MOTD (Message of the Day) banner and subsequently direct users to the terminal_tool.cgi endpoint. The vulnerability operates through a chain of exploitation where the MOTD content is not adequately sanitized before being rendered in the web interface, creating an opening for malicious script injection. When combined with CVE-2023-49255, this creates a more comprehensive attack surface that allows adversaries to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to system resources. The technical implementation leverages the fact that user-supplied content in the MOTD field bypasses proper sanitization filters, enabling attackers to inject malicious javascript payloads that execute within the victim's browser context. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a critical weakness in web applications where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without adequate validation or encoding.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-49260 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to victim sessions and potentially sensitive system information. When exploited in conjunction with CVE-2023-49255, threat actors can establish a foothold within network environments and escalate their privileges through the combined exploitation chain. The attack vector specifically targets web-based management interfaces where administrative functions are exposed to end users, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users interact with system administration tools. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper content security policies within web applications. The attack requires minimal privileges to initiate and can be executed through simple URL manipulation or content injection techniques, making it highly accessible to threat actors of varying skill levels.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-49260. Input validation and sanitization mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure all user-supplied content undergoes proper encoding before being rendered in web interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policies should be enforced to prevent unauthorized script execution and limit the scope of potential XSS attacks. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized administrators can modify system banners and similar configuration elements. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments focusing on web application vulnerabilities and implement automated scanning tools to identify similar input validation weaknesses. The remediation process involves updating the terminal_tool.cgi script to properly sanitize all user inputs and implementing proper output encoding techniques that prevent malicious scripts from executing within browser contexts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of scripting languages to execute malicious code in web applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures against script-based attacks.