CVE-2018-11448 in M875
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in SCALANCE M875 (All versions). The web interface on port 443/tcp could allow a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack if an unsuspecting user is tricked into accessing a malicious link. Successful exploitation requires that the attacker has access to the web interface of an affected device. The attacker must be authenticated as administrative user on the web interface. Afterwards, a legitimate user must access the web interface. A successful attack could allow an attacker to execute malicious code in the browser of a legitimate user. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The SCALANCE M875 industrial network device presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability (CVE-2018-11448) that exploits the web interface accessible on port 443/tcp. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw exists within the device's web administration interface, where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to users. The vulnerability requires a specific attack vector involving authentication as an administrative user, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.101 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing via web applications.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first gain administrative access to the device's web interface through legitimate authentication mechanisms. Once authenticated, the attacker can inject malicious scripts into the device's configuration or management interface, where these scripts are stored and subsequently executed when legitimate users access the same interface. This stored XSS pattern represents a sophisticated attack method because it allows persistent malicious code execution rather than requiring users to click on external links. The vulnerability's exploitation chain necessitates both privileged access to the device and user interaction with the compromised web interface, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where administrative credentials may be less frequently rotated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional web application security concerns into industrial control systems security domains. When legitimate users access the compromised web interface, their browsers execute the malicious scripts, potentially leading to complete session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the industrial network. The attack's reliance on administrative authentication means that insider threats or compromised administrative credentials pose a significant risk. This vulnerability particularly affects SCALANCE M875 devices in industrial environments where web-based management interfaces are commonly used for device configuration and monitoring, creating potential pathways for attackers to escalate privileges and access critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of access controls and network segmentation to limit administrative access to the device's web interface. Organizations should enforce strict authentication policies and regularly rotate administrative credentials to minimize the window of opportunity for attackers. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or script injection attempts in the web interface. The device firmware should be updated to the latest version provided by the vendor, which typically includes input sanitization fixes for XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against stored XSS attacks. Security awareness training for administrators is crucial to prevent social engineering attacks that might lead to unauthorized access to administrative interfaces, as this vulnerability requires authenticated access to the device's web interface.