CVE-2015-3976 in Multilink ML800
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GE Multilink ML810/3000/3100 series switch 5.2.0 and earlier, and GE Multilink ML800/1200/1600/2400 4.2.1 and earlier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The CVE-2015-3976 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting GE Multilink series network switches, specifically targeting models ML810/3000/3100 with firmware versions 5.2.0 and earlier, as well as ML800/1200/1600/2400 with firmware versions 4.2.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the web-based management interface of these industrial network devices, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on GE's industrial networking solutions. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by authenticated users, potentially compromising the security of the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given the industrial control systems context where these switches operate, as they often form critical components of operational technology environments that require robust security measures.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web interface of the affected GE switches. When users interact with the management console, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through various input fields. This flaw typically occurs in parameters or form fields where user input is directly reflected in the web interface without proper sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability can be exploited through multiple vectors including HTTP parameters, form inputs, and potentially URL components, making it accessible to attackers with minimal privileges required to access the web management interface. The weakness aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications, and demonstrates how industrial network equipment often lacks the sophisticated input validation mechanisms found in enterprise web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3976 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. In industrial environments, this vulnerability poses significant risks to operational technology security, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to network configurations, monitor traffic, or even manipulate device settings. The affected GE switches serve as critical network infrastructure components in industrial control systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially compromise the integrity of the industrial network, leading to operational disruptions, data breaches, or even physical safety risks in environments where network availability is paramount. The vulnerability's presence in multiple product lines within the GE Multilink series suggests a systemic issue in the development lifecycle, indicating that similar flaws may exist in other components of the affected product families.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates from GE to address the vulnerability, as well as network segmentation to limit access to the affected switches to authorized personnel only. Access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication and role-based access restrictions to minimize the attack surface. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while security awareness training should be provided to personnel who interact with these devices. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, as attackers could leverage the XSS to obtain administrative privileges. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation measures specifically designed for industrial control systems to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.