CVE-2013-2299 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Advantech WebAccess (formerly BroadWin WebAccess) before 7.1 2013.05.30 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The CVE-2013-2299 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Advantech WebAccess, formerly known as BroadWin WebAccess, affecting versions prior to 7.1 released on May 30, 2013. This vulnerability resides within industrial automation and building management systems that are widely deployed in critical infrastructure environments. The flaw specifically enables authenticated remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of the victim's browser, potentially compromising the security of operational technology environments. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS issue means that malicious payloads could be stored and executed across multiple user sessions, amplifying the potential impact significantly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the WebAccess application's web interface components. Attackers exploiting this flaw can leverage the authenticated access to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browser context of legitimate users. This typically occurs through manipulation of parameters or form inputs that are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the application's web framework could be exploited, including but not limited to user profile management, configuration interfaces, or data display components. The vulnerability's presence in industrial control systems creates a particularly concerning attack surface since these systems often handle sensitive operational data and may be connected to critical infrastructure components.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2299 extends beyond traditional web application security concerns into the realm of industrial cybersecurity, where the consequences of successful exploitation can be severe. Remote authenticated attackers could potentially manipulate user sessions, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even access sensitive configuration data within the industrial control environment. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to critical system functions, data manipulation, or the potential for lateral movement within network segments where these industrial systems reside. Given that Advantech WebAccess is commonly used in manufacturing, energy, and building automation environments, successful exploitation could compromise operational integrity and potentially lead to physical system disruptions.
Security mitigations for CVE-2013-2299 should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected WebAccess installations, as this vulnerability represents a known exploit that has been documented in various security advisories. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms and output encoding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection. According to CWE guidelines, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and follows ATT&CK techniques related to web application exploitation and credential access. Regular security assessments of industrial control systems should include vulnerability scanning specifically targeting web interfaces and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to operational technology environments. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of known vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure systems.