CVE-2014-5411 in SCADA Expert ClearSCADA
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Schneider Electric StruxureWare SCADA Expert ClearSCADA 2010 R3 through 2014 R1 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5411 represents a critical security flaw within Schneider Electric StruxureWare SCADA Expert ClearSCADA systems spanning versions 2010 R3 through 2014 R1. This issue manifests as multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that fundamentally compromise the web application security posture of industrial control systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the ClearSCADA platform, which serves as a supervisory control and data acquisition solution widely deployed in industrial environments for managing critical infrastructure operations. These systems are integral to process control and monitoring in sectors including manufacturing, energy, and utilities where operational technology security is paramount.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web interface components of ClearSCADA. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses through unspecified vectors to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the application's response handling mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as cross-site scripting indicates that the malicious code executes within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, or perform unauthorized actions within the application. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws in software applications. The authenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries must first establish valid credentials to exploit the vulnerability, though this requirement does not significantly reduce the risk given that many industrial environments may have limited credential protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5411 extends beyond typical web application security concerns due to the industrial control system context in which ClearSCADA operates. Remote authenticated attackers with valid credentials can potentially manipulate the web interface to gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, disrupt normal system operations, or establish persistent access points within the industrial network. The consequences could include unauthorized control of industrial processes, data integrity compromise, or the potential for lateral movement within the industrial control network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting and exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. The impact is particularly severe in critical infrastructure environments where ClearSCADA systems manage essential services such as power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing processes. Organizations using these systems face significant risks to operational technology security, potentially exposing their entire industrial control environment to compromise through a single web application vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5411 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches and updates. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding controls to prevent script injection attacks, while also establishing robust network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious web traffic patterns and anomalous user behavior within the ClearSCADA environment. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of industrial control systems are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by threat actors. Additionally, implementing network access controls, privileged access management, and regular credential rotation practices can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of such vulnerabilities in industrial environments.