CVE-2018-14919 in LGATE-902
Summary
by MITRE
LOYTEC LGATE-902 6.3.2 devices allow XSS.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/26/2024
The CVE-2018-14919 vulnerability affects LOYTEC LGATE-902 6.3.2 devices and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web interfaces. This vulnerability resides within the device's web-based management interface, which is commonly used by network administrators to configure and monitor industrial control systems. The LOYTEC LGATE-902 serves as a gateway device in industrial environments, facilitating communication between different network segments while providing security features for industrial protocols. The device's web interface allows users to configure network settings, manage security policies, and monitor device status through standard web browsers. This particular vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the device's web application components, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through improperly sanitized user inputs.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers who visit affected pages. The vulnerability affects multiple input fields within the web interface including configuration parameters, network settings, and user-defined values that are displayed on web pages. When a victim browser processes a page containing the injected malicious script, the script executes with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially allowing full control over the device's web interface. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and may also relate to CWE-80 which covers improper neutralization of script in web pages. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial environments where these devices often operate within trusted network segments but may be accessible from external networks or compromised internal systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can lead to complete device compromise and potential escalation within industrial control environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access administrative functions, modify device configurations, view sensitive information, or redirect traffic to malicious destinations. In industrial settings, this could result in unauthorized access to critical infrastructure controls, potentially leading to operational disruptions or safety hazards. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to persistently inject malicious code that can be executed whenever users access the affected web interface. This persistence mechanism enables attackers to maintain access over extended periods and can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, session hijacking, or even lateral movement within the industrial network. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with social engineering, as attackers may need to lure users into visiting malicious pages to exploit the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14919 should focus on immediate firmware updates from LOYTEC, which would address the input validation and output encoding issues. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, ensuring that administrative interfaces are not directly accessible from untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injections, enforcing strict input validation on all user-supplied data, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system web interfaces. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web interface functionality and implementing strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing industrial control system interfaces and demonstrates how traditional web application security principles apply to industrial environments, where the stakes are often higher due to potential safety and operational impacts. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be part of ongoing industrial cybersecurity programs to address similar weaknesses in operational technology environments.