CVE-2017-8839 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Peplink Balance devices with specific firmware versions are vulnerable to XSS via orig_url, potentially leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2017-8839

Peplink Balance devices with outdated firmware versions are susceptible to a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

What is CVE-2017-8839?

CVE-2017-8839 is a vulnerability found in Peplink Balance 305, 380, 580, 710, 1350, and 2500 devices with firmware versions earlier than fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093. The issue allows for XSS attacks through the orig_url, affecting the guest/preview.cgi script.

The Impact of CVE-2017-8839

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-8839

Peplink Balance devices are at risk due to the following:

Vulnerability Description

XSS vulnerability via orig_url on Peplink Balance devices

Affected Systems and Versions

Peplink Balance 305, 380, 580, 710, 1350, and 2500 devices with firmware versions prior to fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can inject and execute malicious scripts through the orig_url parameter, impacting the guest/preview.cgi script

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate and long-term security measures to address CVE-2017-8839:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Peplink Balance devices to firmware version fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware and security patches on all network devices
Implement web application firewalls to mitigate XSS vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Peplink has released a patched firmware version (fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093) to address the XSS vulnerability