CVE-2018-7797 in Power Monitoring Expert
Summary
by MITRE
A URL redirection vulnerability exists in Power Monitoring Expert, Energy Expert (formerly Power Manager) - EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert (PME) v8.2 (all editions), EcoStruxure Energy Expert 1.3 (formerly Power Manager), EcoStruxure Power SCADA Operation (PSO) 8.2 Advanced Reports and Dashboards Module, EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert (PME) v9.0, EcoStruxure Energy Expert v2.0, and EcoStruxure Power SCADA Operation (PSO) 9.0 Advanced Reports and Dashboards Module which could cause a phishing attack when redirected to a malicious site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2020
The CVE-2018-7797 vulnerability represents a critical URL redirection flaw affecting multiple versions of Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure power monitoring and energy management software platforms. This vulnerability exists within the authentication and session management mechanisms of Power Monitoring Expert v8.2, Energy Expert v1.3, Power SCADA Operation v8.2 Advanced Reports and Dashboards Module, and their subsequent versions up to v9.0 and v2.0. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate URL parameters that control redirection behavior, potentially enabling malicious actors to redirect authenticated users to phishing websites without their knowledge. This vulnerability specifically impacts enterprise environments where power monitoring systems are deployed, making it particularly concerning for industrial control systems and energy management infrastructures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web application's redirect functionality. When users navigate through the application's interface, certain URL parameters are processed without proper validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that bypass normal security checks. The flaw operates at the application layer, specifically within the session handling and navigation components of these industrial monitoring platforms. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-601: URL Redirection to Untrusted Site ('Open Redirect'), which is categorized under the OWASP Top Ten as a critical security weakness. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering tactics, where attackers craft deceptive URLs that appear legitimate but redirect users to malicious sites designed to capture credentials or deploy malware.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7797 extends beyond simple phishing attacks, creating significant risks for industrial environments where these systems operate. Organizations using these platforms face potential credential theft, unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, and possible disruption of critical infrastructure monitoring functions. The vulnerability is especially concerning for energy management systems because it could enable attackers to gain access to real-time operational data, potentially affecting power distribution decisions and system performance monitoring. In the context of ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1566: Phishing and T1071.004: Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as it enables attackers to establish initial access through malicious redirection and potentially leverage the compromised session for further reconnaissance. The impact is amplified in environments where these systems interface with other critical infrastructure components, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with pathways to broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7797 should focus on immediate patching of affected software versions, as Schneider Electric released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations must implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict external URL redirection attempts, particularly those involving untrusted domains. The implementation of strict URL validation rules within the application's configuration and the deployment of web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected software across their infrastructure and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security awareness training for personnel who interact with these systems is essential to prevent successful social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these critical systems and establish strict access controls that minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.