CVE-2014-3110 in FALCON XLWeb XLWebExe
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities on Honeywell FALCON XLWeb Linux controller devices 2.04.01 and earlier and FALCON XLWeb XLWebExe controller devices 2.02.11 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via invalid input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3110 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Honeywell FALCON XLWeb controller devices running specific firmware versions. This issue impacts both Linux-based XLWeb controllers at version 2.04.01 and earlier, as well as XLWebExe controller devices at version 2.02.11 and earlier. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the web interface of these industrial control systems, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code through web-based injection techniques. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web server components that handle user input, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where these controllers manage critical infrastructure operations. The affected devices are commonly deployed in manufacturing and process control applications, where they serve as web interfaces for monitoring and managing industrial processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the standard XSS attack pattern where malicious input is not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered in web responses. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted input that contains malicious JavaScript code or HTML elements, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers who access the affected web interface. The flaw is classified as a CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which directly maps to the core issue of insufficient input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability allows for a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data manipulation, and potential escalation to more severe attacks within the industrial control network. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from any location with network access to the affected devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple web interface compromise, as it directly threatens the integrity and security of industrial control systems. In industrial environments, these controllers often manage critical processes where unauthorized access could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that could redirect users to phishing sites, steal operational credentials, or manipulate control parameters through the web interface. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices are typically deployed in environments where network segmentation may be limited, allowing for lateral movement once initial access is achieved. The vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access points within industrial networks, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks that target other connected systems or compromise the broader operational technology infrastructure. Organizations using these devices face significant risk to their industrial control system security posture, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to critical operational data and control functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3110 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Honeywell to address the input validation deficiencies. Organizations must implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, while also deploying web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious input patterns. The implementation of Content Security Policies and proper input sanitization measures should be enforced on all web interfaces of industrial control systems. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial devices within the network infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 - Phishing and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the multi-stage nature of attacks that can leverage such weaknesses. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns indicative of XSS exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential compromises. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated firmware in controlled environments before deployment to ensure operational continuity and avoid disrupting critical industrial processes.