CVE-2015-6462 in Modicon BMXNOC0401
Summary
by MITRE
Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (nonpersistent) allows an attacker to craft a specific URL, which contains Java script that will be executed on the Schneider Electric Modicon BMXNOC0401, BMXNOE0100, BMXNOE0110, BMXNOE0110H, BMXNOR0200H, BMXP342020, BMXP342020H, BMXP342030, BMXP3420302, BMXP3420302H, or BMXP342030H PLC client browser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6462 represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple Schneider Electric Modicon programmable logic controller models including BMXNOC0401, BMXNOE0100, BMXNOE0110, BMXNOE0110H, BMXNOR0200H, BMXP342020, BMXP342020H, BMXP342030, BMXP3420302, BMXP3420302H, and BMXP342030H devices. This vulnerability resides in the web-based management interfaces of these industrial control systems, creating a significant security risk for operational technology environments. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious javascript code through crafted URLs that are reflected back to the victim's browser, enabling persistent execution of malicious scripts within the context of the affected web application. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a condition where an application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The attack vector specifically targets the web interface components of these industrial devices, which are commonly accessed through standard web browsers for configuration and monitoring purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and output sanitization within the web server components of the Modicon PLC systems. When a user clicks on a maliciously crafted URL containing javascript payload, the web application reflects this content back to the user's browser without appropriate encoding or filtering mechanisms. This creates an environment where the injected script executes in the victim's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user, or redirect users to malicious websites. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the attack requires user interaction with a specifically crafted URL, making it a non-persistent XSS flaw that relies on social engineering techniques to propagate. The vulnerability affects the web-based management interfaces of these industrial devices, which are critical for system configuration, monitoring, and maintenance operations, making the impact particularly severe in industrial control environments where these devices operate.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6462 extends beyond simple web application security concerns into the realm of industrial control system integrity and safety. In industrial environments where Modicon PLCs are deployed for critical infrastructure monitoring and control, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate the web interface used for system management, potentially leading to unauthorized configuration changes or data exfiltration. The attack requires user interaction with malicious links, which means that successful exploitation typically involves social engineering campaigns targeting system administrators or operators who might be tricked into clicking compromised URLs. This creates a significant risk for industrial organizations where the web interfaces of control systems are frequently accessed by authorized personnel, as these interfaces often contain sensitive operational data and configuration settings. The vulnerability affects the broader industrial internet of things ecosystem, as these devices are commonly connected to corporate networks and may serve as entry points for more extensive attacks targeting operational technology infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6462 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general corporate networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms should be deployed at network boundaries to filter malicious content before it reaches the affected devices. The most effective immediate solution involves applying manufacturer patches and firmware updates that address the reflected XSS vulnerability in the web interfaces of the affected Modicon PLC models. Security configurations should include disabling unnecessary web services and implementing strict access controls for web-based management interfaces. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect and respond to suspicious web traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering tactics, and T1190, which addresses exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications. Regular security assessments of industrial control system web interfaces should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while staff training programs should emphasize the recognition of phishing attempts and suspicious web links that could exploit such XSS vulnerabilities.