CVE-2015-6488 in MicroLogix
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the web server on Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 devices before B FRN 15.000 and 1400 devices before B FRN 15.003 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2018
The CVE-2015-6488 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 and 1400 industrial control devices. This vulnerability exists within the web server component of these programmable logic controllers and poses significant security risks to industrial environments. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through unspecified vectors, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of industrial control systems. The vulnerability affects specific firmware versions where the 1100 series is impacted before B FRN 15.000 and the 1400 series before B FRN 15.003, indicating that manufacturers had not yet addressed this particular weakness in their software releases. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial control systems because it can potentially be exploited to manipulate control logic or gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability exists in the web server implementation of these industrial devices, where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of other users who access the device's web interface. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may be present in multiple input fields or parameters within the web interface, making it particularly difficult to defend against through simple parameter filtering approaches. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, enabling them to target these systems from external networks, which is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such devices may be exposed to the internet or poorly segmented networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6488 extends beyond typical web application security concerns due to the industrial control environment in which these devices operate. Successful exploitation could potentially lead to unauthorized modification of control parameters, disruption of industrial processes, or even complete compromise of the control system. The vulnerability could enable attackers to inject malicious scripts that might persist across user sessions or be executed when other operators access the device's web interface. This creates a persistent threat that could be leveraged to maintain access to the industrial control environment over extended periods. Additionally, the vulnerability may allow attackers to gather sensitive operational data or manipulate control logic, which could result in physical damage to equipment or safety hazards in industrial processes. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities in industrial control systems can have cascading effects on entire production facilities, making this a critical concern for industrial cybersecurity.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2015-6488. The primary recommendation involves updating affected devices to the latest firmware versions that contain patches for this vulnerability, specifically targeting the B FRN 15.000 and B FRN 15.003 releases for the respective device series. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these industrial control devices from general network access, reducing the attack surface for remote exploitation. Access controls should be strengthened through the implementation of secure authentication mechanisms and limiting administrative access to only authorized personnel. Monitoring and logging of web server access should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, with particular attention to unusual script injection patterns or unexpected user behavior. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as those defined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, which emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and regular security updates in industrial environments. Furthermore, this vulnerability demonstrates the necessity of applying the principle of least privilege to industrial control systems, ensuring that web interfaces are only accessible when absolutely required for operational purposes.