CVE-2024-33792 in MEX605
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in netis-systems MEX605 v2.00.06 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the tracert page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-33792 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the netis-systems MEX605 v2.00.06 device firmware. This vulnerability specifically targets the tracert page functionality, which is commonly used for network diagnostics to trace the path packets take through a network. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML content that will execute in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected page. This represents a significant security risk as it enables attackers to potentially steal user sessions, deface web interfaces, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding within the tracert page implementation, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can exploit the XSS vulnerability through the web interface of the network device.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard XSS attack patterns where an attacker crafts a malicious URL or form input containing script code that gets executed when another user accesses the tracert page. The attack vector leverages the web-based management interface of the MEX605 device, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device. The vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws in web applications. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and potential privilege escalation if the affected device has administrative access rights. Network administrators who rely on the tracert functionality for diagnostics may unknowingly expose their systems to these attacks, as the malicious scripts can execute in the context of authenticated sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations using netis-systems MEX605 devices, as it creates an attack surface that can be leveraged for persistent threats. The tracert page is typically used by network administrators for legitimate troubleshooting purposes, making the attack vector particularly insidious as it can be triggered through normal network diagnostic activities. This vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack chains, potentially leading to complete compromise of the network device and subsequent lateral movement within the network. The attack can be executed through various means including crafted URLs, form submissions, or even through social engineering if users are tricked into clicking malicious links that lead to the vulnerable tracert page. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1566 (Phishing) and T1071.1001 (Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols) as it enables attackers to establish malicious web content delivery and potentially gain access to network infrastructure through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-33792 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from netis-systems to address the root cause of the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected device management interfaces, particularly restricting access to the tracert page functionality. Input validation and output encoding should be enforced at multiple levels, including web application firewalls and proxy servers that monitor traffic to the device. Network administrators should consider disabling the tracert functionality entirely if it is not critical for operations, or implement strict access controls that require multi-factor authentication for accessing sensitive management pages. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar XSS vulnerabilities in network device web interfaces, as this type of vulnerability is common in embedded systems and network infrastructure devices. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious activities in network device logs and implementing security information and event management systems can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in embedded network devices, emphasizing the need for proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms as recommended by OWASP and other security standards.