CVE-2015-6461 in Modicon BMXNOC0401
Summary
by MITRE
Remote file inclusion allows an attacker to craft a specific URL referencing the Schneider Electric Modicon BMXNOC0401, BMXNOE0100, BMXNOE0110, BMXNOE0110H, BMXNOR0200H, BMXP342020, BMXP342020H, BMXP342030, BMXP3420302, BMXP3420302H, or BMXP342030H PLC web server, which, when launched, will result in the browser redirecting to a remote file via a Java script loaded with the web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6461 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting several Schneider Electric Modicon programmable logic controllers including the BMXNOC0401, BMXNOE0100, BMXNOE0110, BMXNOE0110H, BMXNOR0200H, BMXP342020, BMXP342020H, BMXP342030, BMXP3420302, BMXP3420302H, and BMXP342030H models. This vulnerability resides within the web server component of these industrial control devices, which are commonly deployed in industrial automation and control systems where security is paramount. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the web interface of these devices through carefully crafted URLs that reference external resources, effectively enabling malicious code execution within the context of the device's web server.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-829, which describes the inclusion of code from untrusted sources without proper validation or sanitization. The technical implementation of this flaw involves the web server's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input parameters that are used to construct URLs or file references within the web interface. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL that includes a reference to a remote JavaScript file, the device's web server processes this input without adequate security controls, leading to the execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's ability to handle external resource references within its web interface, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript content that can be executed by the browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that are critical for manufacturing processes, energy management, and infrastructure operations. The attack vector leverages the web server functionality of these PLCs, which are often accessible from external networks for remote monitoring and configuration purposes. This creates a significant risk for industrial environments where these devices may be exposed to untrusted network zones or where network segmentation is inadequate. The vulnerability can be exploited to redirect users to malicious sites, inject malware, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data compromise, or even physical system damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on network segmentation and access control measures, as recommended by the ATT&CK framework's network segmentation concepts. Organizations should implement strict firewall rules to limit access to these devices to trusted network segments only, ensuring that the web interfaces are not directly accessible from untrusted networks. Additionally, regular firmware updates and patches should be applied to address the vulnerability, though many industrial environments may face challenges with update deployment due to operational constraints. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URL patterns or attempts to access external resources through these web interfaces, as the vulnerability manifests through URL manipulation rather than direct code injection. Device administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web server functionality or implementing input validation controls at the network level to prevent malicious URL references from being processed by the affected PLC web servers.