CVE-2011-4522 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in bwerrdn.asp in Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess before 7.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4522 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw located in the bwerrdn.asp component of Advantech/BroadWin WebAccess software versions prior to 7.0. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where improper validation of user input allows malicious scripts to be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw exists within the web application's error handling mechanism, specifically in how it processes and displays error messages without adequate sanitization of input parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers submit malicious input through unspecified parameters that are processed by the bwerrdn.asp script. This script is responsible for handling error conditions within the WebAccess platform, which serves as a web-based interface for industrial automation and monitoring systems. The lack of proper input validation and output encoding creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be injected directly into the web response, allowing malicious scripts to execute in the victim's browser context. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the error handling mechanism of a system designed for industrial control environments where security is paramount.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical web application attacks due to the industrial nature of the affected system. WebAccess is commonly deployed in critical infrastructure environments for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, making it a potential target for sophisticated attacks. An attacker could leverage this XSS vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the industrial control system. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data or manipulate the web interface to interfere with industrial processes. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers could use the XSS to deliver malicious payloads or redirect users to compromised sites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the WebAccess software to version 7.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application to prevent similar issues in other components. Network segmentation and monitoring of web traffic can help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all components in critical infrastructure systems. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks. Organizations should also conduct regular security training for personnel working with industrial control systems to ensure awareness of web-based attack vectors and proper security practices.