CVE-2018-10609 in TELEM GW6
Summary
by MITRE
Martem TELEM GW6 and GWM devices with firmware 2018.04.18-linux_4-01-601cb47 and prior allow improper sanitization of data over a Websocket which may allow cross-site scripting and client-side code execution with target user privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10609 affects Martem TELEM GW6 and GWM devices running specific firmware versions including 2018.04.18-linux_4-01-601cb47 and earlier. These industrial networking devices are designed for telecommunications infrastructure and are commonly deployed in environments requiring robust network connectivity and data transmission capabilities. The affected devices operate within critical infrastructure sectors where security vulnerabilities can have significant operational impacts. The flaw manifests in the device's websocket implementation where input data validation and sanitization processes are inadequate, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise system integrity and user security.
This vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting weakness that falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The improper sanitization occurs during websocket data processing where user-supplied input is not properly validated or escaped before being transmitted back to client browsers. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of the victim's browser session. When exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform client-side code execution with the privileges of the target user, potentially leading to complete browser compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple scripting attacks and can enable more sophisticated exploitation techniques. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to the device's management interfaces, potentially allowing them to modify device configurations, intercept network traffic, or redirect communications to malicious endpoints. The websocket protocol used by these devices typically operates with elevated privileges within the local network environment, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous for industrial control systems. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables malicious javascript code execution within the device's web interface context.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to versions that address the input sanitization flaws, as well as network segmentation to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should implement websocket traffic monitoring and validation to detect anomalous data patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, web application firewalls and input validation rules should be configured to prevent malicious payload injection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in networked industrial devices and underscores the need for security testing throughout the device lifecycle. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other industrial equipment and network infrastructure components.