CVE-2015-6494 in Mango Automation
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Infinite Automation Mango Automation 2.5.x and 2.6.x before 2.6.0 build 430 allows remote authenticated users 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 • 09/22/2024
The CVE-2015-6494 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Infinite Automation Mango Automation platforms version 2.5.x and 2.6.x prior to build 430. This security weakness resides in the web application's input validation mechanisms, specifically failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. The vulnerability affects authenticated users who can leverage this flaw to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the automation platform. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the application could be exploited, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The issue demonstrates a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and proper input sanitization, where user-controllable data is directly incorporated into web responses without adequate security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to manipulate the automation environment in ways that could compromise industrial control systems. When authenticated users can inject malicious scripts, they gain the ability to access sensitive operational data, modify system configurations, or even manipulate process control variables that govern industrial processes. This represents a significant risk in industrial environments where automation systems control critical infrastructure, manufacturing processes, or safety systems. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to system controls, data manipulation, or even physical system compromise depending on the automation platform's integration with operational technology. Attackers could potentially use this flaw to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the system, creating long-term security risks for organizations relying on these automation solutions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6494 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Mango Automation versions to build 430 or later, which would contain the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, particularly focusing on common XSS payload patterns. Network segmentation and privileged access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access through this vulnerability, their ability to move laterally within the system remains constrained. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the automation infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the XSS attack vector allows for execution of malicious scripts in victim browsers, potentially enabling further exploitation techniques. Additionally, organizations should implement proper security training for system administrators to recognize and respond to potential XSS attacks, as human factors often play a crucial role in successful exploitation of such vulnerabilities.