CVE-2016-2287 in 442SR OS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in XZERES 442SR OS on 442SR wind turbines allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2019
The CVE-2016-2287 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the XZERES 442SR operating system deployed on 442SR wind turbines, exposing industrial control systems to significant cybersecurity risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the web-based management interface of wind turbine control systems, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code through web script injection. The affected system operates within the industrial control systems domain, where cybersecurity considerations are paramount due to the critical infrastructure nature of wind energy generation facilities. The vulnerability's presence in the turbine's operating system demonstrates the increasing convergence of information technology and operational technology within industrial environments, highlighting the need for robust security measures in previously isolated operational technology systems.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through unspecified vectors within the web interface of the XZERES 442SR OS, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the turbine's management interface. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate the web application's behavior and potentially access sensitive operational data or compromise the control system's integrity. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the web server component that serves the turbine management interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the turbine. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that gets processed and displayed within the web interface, thereby executing the injected code within the context of the victim's browser session. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a common weakness in web application security that has been extensively documented in industrial control systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2287 extends beyond simple data theft or web interface manipulation, potentially compromising the safety and reliability of wind energy generation operations. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt turbine operations, manipulate operational parameters, or gain unauthorized access to critical control functions that manage the turbine's performance and safety systems. The consequences could include reduced energy output, equipment damage, or even safety hazards during extreme weather conditions when turbine control systems are most critical. This vulnerability particularly threatens the integrity of the industrial control system's human-machine interface, which serves as the primary point of interaction between operators and the turbine's control mechanisms. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers could potentially target multiple turbines within a wind farm simultaneously, amplifying the operational disruption and security impact across entire energy generation facilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2287 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements for industrial control systems. Organizations must implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent script injection attacks, which aligns with defensive techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the web application security domain. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of industrial control systems to external networks, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while mandatory security updates and patches should be deployed promptly to address known vulnerabilities. Additionally, security awareness training for operators and technicians working with industrial control systems should emphasize the importance of identifying and reporting potential security incidents, as these systems often lack the robust security controls found in traditional enterprise environments.