CVE-2016-4513 in PowerLogic PM8ECC
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Schneider Electric PowerLogic PM8ECC module before 2.651 for PowerMeter 800 devices allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The CVE-2016-4513 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Schneider Electric's PowerLogic PM8ECC module, specifically affecting PowerMeter 800 devices running versions prior to 2.651. This vulnerability resides within the web interface of the power monitoring device, creating a significant security risk for industrial control systems and energy management environments. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially compromising the integrity of the monitoring system and exposing sensitive operational data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web application interface of the PM8ECC module. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code into the device's web interface, which then executes when other users access the affected system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into web content. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network proximity, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where such devices may be exposed to external networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4513 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal authentication credentials, or redirect users to malicious sites. In industrial control environments, this vulnerability could allow adversaries to manipulate power monitoring data, potentially leading to incorrect operational decisions or even physical system disruptions. The PowerMeter 800 devices are commonly deployed in critical infrastructure settings where accurate power monitoring is essential for system reliability and safety. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, disrupt monitoring capabilities, or use the compromised device as a foothold for further attacks within the industrial network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 - Phishing for Information, where attackers exploit web-based vulnerabilities to gain access to privileged information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch to update the PM8ECC module to version 2.651 or later, which addresses the input validation weaknesses. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, and additional security controls such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter malicious requests. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and software in industrial environments, as unpatched devices represent significant attack vectors for sophisticated adversaries targeting critical infrastructure. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with XSS attack attempts.