CVE-2017-6864 in RUGGEDCOM ROX I
Summary
by MITRE
The integrated web server in Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROX I (all versions) at port 10000/TCP could allow an authenticated user to perform stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6864 affects Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROX I devices, which are industrial networking solutions designed for harsh environments. These devices operate with an integrated web server listening on TCP port 10000, providing administrative access and configuration capabilities. The affected system represents a critical component in industrial control systems where security is paramount for operational continuity and safety. This vulnerability specifically targets the web interface component that handles user input and displays configuration data, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors who have gained legitimate authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability within the web server implementation. When authenticated users submit malicious input through the web interface, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape the data before storing it in the device's configuration database. This stored data is later retrieved and displayed in web pages without adequate output encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other authenticated users who view the affected pages. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS attack because the malicious payload persists in the system and affects multiple users over time rather than being reflected in a single request. This weakness directly maps to CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for industrial environments where the ROX I devices serve as critical network infrastructure components. An attacker who gains authentication access could potentially execute arbitrary scripts against other administrators or operators who interact with the device's web interface. This could lead to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the industrial network. The vulnerability undermines the security model of the device by allowing authenticated users to compromise the integrity of the web interface, potentially affecting the availability and reliability of network operations. Given that these devices are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments, such as power grids, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants, the implications extend beyond simple web application security to potential operational technology safety concerns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-6864 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Organizations should apply the latest firmware updates provided by Siemens to address the XSS vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit administrative access to the device, reducing the attack surface. Regular monitoring of web interface logs for suspicious activity and input patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Security awareness training for administrators is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that might lead to credential compromise. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for credential access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both network and application-level threats. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with XSS exploitation attempts.