CVE-2018-15707 in WebAccess
Summary
by MITRE
Advantech WebAccess 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 are vulnerable to cross-site scripting in the Bwmainleft.asp page. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to disclose credentials amongst other things.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15707 affects Advantech WebAccess versions 8.3.1 and 8.3.2, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that resides within the Bwmainleft.asp page component of this industrial automation and SCADA software platform. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where malicious scripts are injected into web applications, making it a significant concern for operational technology environments where security is paramount. The flaw exists in the web interface of Advantech WebAccess, which is widely deployed in industrial control systems and monitoring environments, creating a potential attack vector that could compromise the security of critical infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the Bwmainleft.asp page, which processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization before rendering it in the web response. This allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code through crafted input parameters that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the WebAccess platform, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information from authenticated users. The nature of the flaw means that any user interacting with the compromised page could unknowingly execute malicious code, creating a persistent threat that could escalate to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it represents a serious threat to industrial control system security where WebAccess is commonly deployed. In industrial environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical monitoring and control interfaces, potentially leading to operational disruption, data manipulation, or even physical system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Advantech WebAccess is designed for use in manufacturing environments, energy management systems, and other critical infrastructure sectors where security breaches can have severe consequences. The vulnerability's exploitation could allow attackers to establish persistent access to industrial networks, making it a high-priority target for threat actors targeting industrial espionage or sabotage operations.
Organizations utilizing Advantech WebAccess versions 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls, output encoding, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation approach should align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls and follow the ATT&CK framework's T1548.002 technique for bypassing application control measures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, credential rotation, and enhanced monitoring of web application traffic to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of securing industrial web interfaces and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of operational technology platforms, particularly those that handle sensitive operational data and control systems access.