CVE-2018-19614 in 250 Pre-5162
Summary
by MITRE
XSS exists in the /cmdexec/cmdexe?cmd= function in Westermo DR-250 Pre-5162 and DR-260 Pre-5162 routers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2018-19614 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Westermo DR-250 Pre-5162 and DR-260 Pre-5162 router firmware versions prior to build 5162. This issue resides within the command execution interface of these industrial networking devices, specifically in the /cmdexec/cmdexe?cmd= endpoint that allows remote code execution through web-based interfaces. The vulnerability affects network infrastructure equipment used in industrial environments where security is paramount, making it particularly concerning for critical infrastructure deployments.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the web management interface of these routers. When a user submits a command through the cmdexe parameter without proper sanitization, the system fails to properly encode or escape special characters in the output rendering process. This creates an environment where maliciously crafted input can be executed within the context of a victim's browser session, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which directly maps to the standard web application security weakness category for XSS attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the router's administrative interface. Given that these devices are typically deployed in industrial control systems and network infrastructure environments, successful exploitation could lead to complete network compromise, unauthorized access to critical control systems, or disruption of industrial processes. The vulnerability affects the management capabilities of these routers, which may be used for configuration changes, monitoring, or control functions in industrial settings. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices, potentially leading to data exfiltration, service disruption, or further network infiltration. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries use legitimate system tools to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19614 should focus on immediate firmware updates to versions 5162 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these management interfaces, restrict administrative access through firewall rules, and deploy web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious payloads. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns or attempts to access the vulnerable endpoint. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights the critical need for security testing of industrial networking equipment, particularly in environments where these devices form part of the operational technology infrastructure. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits of industrial control systems are essential to identify and remediate similar weaknesses that could compromise operational integrity and safety.