CVE-2016-6204 in SINEMA Remote Connect Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the integrated web server in Siemens SINEMA Remote Connect Server before 1.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted URL.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The CVE-2016-6204 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the integrated web server component of Siemens SINEMA Remote Connect Server versions prior to 1.2. This vulnerability resides in the server's handling of user-supplied input through URL parameters, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of legitimate user sessions. The affected system operates as a remote access solution designed for industrial environments, making it particularly concerning given the potential for operational technology compromises in critical infrastructure settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web server's URL processing logic. When the server receives a crafted URL containing malicious script content, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before rendering it in web responses. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser when the malicious URL is accessed. The vulnerability specifically affects the integrated web server functionality that provides administrative access and monitoring capabilities for the SINEMA Remote Connect Server, which is commonly deployed in industrial control systems and SCADA environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical web application attacks due to the industrial context in which the affected systems operate. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this XSS vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, manipulate monitoring data, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks. This risk is amplified by the fact that many industrial environments lack the sophisticated web application security controls found in typical enterprise environments, making such vulnerabilities particularly dangerous. The attack vector requires only a single malicious URL to be visited by an authenticated user, potentially leading to complete system compromise and operational disruption.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of the Siemens SINEMA Remote Connect Server version 1.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected web server to only authorized personnel. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URL patterns and unusual web server activity. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and represents a classic example of how insufficient input sanitization can lead to severe security implications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack technique that could enable privilege escalation and lateral movement within industrial networks, making it particularly relevant for critical infrastructure security assessments.