CVE-2017-6029 in atvise scada
Summary
by MITRE
A Cross-Site Scripting issue was discovered in Certec EDV GmbH atvise scada prior to Version 3.0. This may allow remote code execution.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6029 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the atvise scada software developed by Certec EDV GmbH. This issue exists in versions prior to 3.0 and demonstrates a significant security weakness that could potentially be exploited to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web interface of the scada system, creating an attack surface where malicious scripts can be injected and subsequently executed in the context of authenticated users.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the scope of CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. This classification indicates that the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code through various input vectors within the atvise scada interface, potentially affecting any user who views the compromised content. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its potential to enable remote code execution, which represents a critical escalation from standard cross-site scripting attacks that typically only allow data theft or session hijacking.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to industrial control systems and supervisory control and data acquisition environments. The atvise scada system serves as a critical component in industrial automation, and the ability to execute remote code through cross-site scripting creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate industrial processes, gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, or potentially cause physical damage to industrial equipment. The attack vector typically involves tricking authenticated users into clicking malicious links or visiting compromised web pages that contain the injected scripts, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with web-based administrative interfaces.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of web application attacks and specifically relates to the execution of malicious code through web interfaces. Organizations utilizing atvise scada systems are particularly vulnerable because the software is designed for industrial environments where security controls may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise web applications. The lack of proper input validation creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged by attackers with minimal privileges to escalate their access and potentially compromise entire industrial control networks. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system software and implementing proper security controls in operational technology environments.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the vendor-provided security patches and updates for atvise scada systems to version 3.0 or later. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the necessity of applying security patches promptly, especially in critical infrastructure environments where the consequences of exploitation could be severe. Regular vulnerability assessments and security monitoring should be implemented to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors in operational technology environments.