CVE-2015-3942 in MNS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the web-server component in MNS before 4.5.6 on Belden GarrettCom Magnum 6K and Magnum 10K switches allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2017
The CVE-2015-3942 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the web-server component of MNS software versions prior to 4.5.6 on Belden GarrettCom Magnum 6K and Magnum 10K network switches. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a prevalent web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The affected devices are network infrastructure components that provide web-based management interfaces, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking to exploit web application vulnerabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web-server component of the MNS software stack. Attackers can leverage unspecified vectors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the affected switches' web interfaces. This occurs when user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses, creating an environment where malicious code can execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers. The vulnerability exists at the application layer of the network switch's web interface, specifically within the server-side processing logic that handles HTTP requests and generates dynamic web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3942 is significant for organizations relying on these network switches for critical infrastructure operations. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring authentication, potentially leading to unauthorized access to switch management interfaces, data exfiltration, or further network compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because these are network switches that often operate in sensitive environments such as industrial control systems, telecommunications networks, or enterprise data centers where unauthorized access could result in service disruption, data breaches, or operational security incidents. The vulnerability could enable attackers to execute malicious scripts that persist across user sessions, potentially allowing for long-term unauthorized access or the ability to manipulate switch configurations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to MNS version 4.5.6 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of these management interfaces to trusted networks only. Regular security assessments and web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, demonstrating how attackers can leverage web application vulnerabilities to establish persistent access to network infrastructure. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and software on network equipment, as it represents a failure to apply security patches in a timely manner, which is a common vector for successful exploitation in industrial control systems environments.