CVE-2017-2687 in RUGGEDCOM ROX I
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROX I (all versions) contain a vulnerability in the integrated web server at port 10000/TCP which is prone to reflected Cross-Site Scripting attacks if an unsuspecting user is induced to click on a malicious link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROX I series devices represent industrial networking equipment designed for harsh environments where reliability and security are paramount. These ruggedized routers and switches are deployed in critical infrastructure applications including energy, transportation, and industrial control systems where they serve as communication gateways between field devices and corporate networks. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2017-2687 specifically affects the integrated web server component that operates on TCP port 10000, which serves as the primary interface for device configuration and monitoring. This web server implementation fails to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters, creating a significant security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical flaw manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that occurs when the web server processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or encoding. When a user accesses a maliciously crafted URL containing script code within query parameters or other input fields, the web server reflects this malicious content back to the user's browser without proper HTML escaping or output encoding. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and more precisely maps to CWE-74 as it involves reflected payloads that are directly incorporated into the server's response. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any user who can reach the device's web interface through the exposed TCP port 10000. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an unsuspecting administrator or operator, would execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple web application attacks as it represents a critical weakness in industrial network security infrastructure. In environments where these devices are deployed, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive network configuration information, potentially leading to broader network compromise. The reflected XSS attack vector allows for sophisticated social engineering campaigns where attackers can craft convincing malicious links that appear legitimate to system administrators. This vulnerability particularly threatens industrial control systems where operators may be less security-aware and more likely to click on links within their network management workflows. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices are often deployed in remote locations where physical security is limited, making them more susceptible to remote exploitation. Additionally, the vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate device configuration parameters, potentially causing operational disruptions or creating backdoor access points that persist across device reboots. The impact is compounded by the fact that these devices typically operate in environments where network monitoring may be limited, allowing attackers to remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should begin with immediate network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 10000 to only authorized administrative workstations. Organizations should implement network access controls that limit which systems can reach the device's web interface, effectively reducing the attack surface. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or firmware updates that address the reflected XSS vulnerability in the web server component. Network administrators should also implement web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components. Additionally, organizations should establish robust incident response procedures that include monitoring for suspicious network activity related to the affected port and implementing user awareness training to reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and maintaining comprehensive network documentation that includes all accessible ports and services. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous traffic patterns associated with exploitation attempts and establish automated alerting mechanisms to quickly respond to potential security incidents.