CVE-2018-13993 in FL SWITCH
Summary
by MITRE
The WebUI of PHOENIX CONTACT FL SWITCH 3xxx, 4xxx, 48xx versions 1.0 to 1.34 is prone to CSRF.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13993 affects the web-based graphical user interface of PHOENIX CONTACT FL SWITCH series devices including models 3xxx, 4xxx, and 48xx. These industrial network switches operate within critical infrastructure environments and provide web-based management capabilities for configuration and monitoring purposes. The affected versions range from 1.0 through 1.34, indicating a substantial timeframe of potential exposure across various deployments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the web interface that governs administrative functions, making the system susceptible to cross-site request forgery attacks.
Cross-site request forgery represents a significant security flaw where an attacker can manipulate authenticated users into executing unintended actions on a web application. In this case, the web interface lacks proper anti-CSRF tokens or validation mechanisms that would normally ensure requests originate from legitimate administrative sessions. The flaw exists within the application layer of the device's web server implementation, specifically in how it processes HTTP requests for configuration changes and administrative operations. When an authenticated user visits a malicious website or clicks on a compromised link, the attacker can craft requests that appear legitimate to the switch's web interface, potentially allowing unauthorized modifications to network configurations, user accounts, or system parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can compromise the integrity and availability of industrial network infrastructure. Attackers could potentially modify network routing configurations, alter security settings, disable monitoring functions, or manipulate device behavior in ways that could disrupt operations or create security vulnerabilities. The affected switches serve as critical network gateways in industrial environments, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access or cause operational disruption. This vulnerability particularly concerns industrial control systems where network stability and security are paramount, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized administrative control over network infrastructure components.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and demonstrates how web application security flaws can affect industrial systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence within network infrastructure. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from PHOENIX CONTACT to address the vulnerability, along with network segmentation to limit exposure. Additional protective measures include implementing network access controls, monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes, and ensuring that administrative access is restricted to trusted networks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of web application security in industrial environments where traditional cybersecurity controls may not adequately protect against application-level attacks that exploit authentication bypass mechanisms.