CVE-2012-0309 in Cogent DataHub
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Cogent DataHub 7.1.2 and earlier, Cascade DataHub 6.4.20 and earlier, and OPC DataHub 6.4.20 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2017
This cross-site scripting vulnerability affects multiple data hub products including Cogent DataHub, Cascade DataHub, and OPC DataHub versions up to and including 7.1.2, 6.4.20 respectively. The flaw resides in the improper validation and sanitization of user input within the web interfaces of these industrial data management systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that get executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access affected web pages. The vulnerability stems from the failure to properly encode or escape user-supplied data before rendering it in web responses, creating an avenue for malicious script execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a fundamental weakness in web application security that has been consistently identified as one of the most prevalent threats in the OWASP Top Ten.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical web application attacks as these data hub systems operate in industrial control environments where they manage critical infrastructure data flows. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially manipulate data displays, redirect users to malicious sites, steal session cookies, or execute arbitrary commands within the context of the victim's browser session. The attack vectors are unspecified in the CVE description which suggests the vulnerability may be present across multiple input points within the web interfaces of these systems, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through various means including form submissions, URL parameters, or even HTTP headers. The implications are significant for industrial environments where these systems handle sensitive operational data and where the integrity of displayed information is crucial for operational safety and decision making processes.
The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data or manipulate the display of critical information within these industrial systems. Given that these data hubs are typically deployed in environments where they serve as central data repositories for industrial processes, the compromise of any web interface could lead to more severe consequences including data integrity violations or unauthorized access to operational controls. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial settings where these systems may be accessible from external networks or where users may not be security-aware regarding the risks of interacting with untrusted web content. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, input validation mechanisms, and regular security assessments to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the need for robust security practices in industrial control systems where the traditional web application security considerations must be extended to protect against sophisticated attack vectors that could compromise operational integrity and safety systems.