CVE-2019-18267 in S2020 Fast Switch 61850
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was found in GE S2020/S2020G Fast Switch 61850, S2020/S2020G Fast Switch 61850 Versions 07A03 and prior. An attacker can inject arbitrary Javascript in a specially crafted HTTP request that may be reflected back in the HTTP response. The device is also vulnerable to a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that may allow session hijacking, disclosure of sensitive data, cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks, and remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18267 affects GE S2020/S2020G Fast Switch 61850 devices running firmware versions 07A03 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in industrial network infrastructure equipment. This vulnerability manifests as a cross-site scripting vulnerability that exists in the web-based management interface of these devices, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through HTTP requests. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects network switches used in critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the device's web server implementation, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code through crafted HTTP requests. This weakness specifically impacts the device's handling of user-supplied data in HTTP request parameters that are subsequently reflected in HTTP responses without proper sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform several malicious activities including session hijacking, data disclosure, cross-site request forgery attacks, and potentially remote code execution. The reflected javascript injection occurs when the device fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into HTTP responses, creating a persistent vulnerability that can be leveraged by attackers who craft malicious requests containing javascript payloads. The stored XSS component of this vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to inject malicious code that persists on the device, enabling long-term exploitation opportunities. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, and T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The exploitation chain typically begins with an attacker crafting a malicious HTTP request containing javascript code, which gets stored or reflected by the vulnerable device, and then executed in the context of a user's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems where these switches are deployed. In critical infrastructure environments such as power grids, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants, the ability to execute arbitrary code through a network switch represents a significant threat to operational continuity and safety. The vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, manipulate network traffic, or even disrupt critical processes by leveraging the stored XSS capability to maintain persistent access. Organizations using these devices face the risk of cascading security failures where a single compromised switch could provide attackers with a foothold to move laterally within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability also increases the attack surface for broader exploitation attempts, as attackers can use the compromised device as a pivot point to target other systems within the same network segment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from GE to address the underlying XSS flaws in the web interface implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks while ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the management interfaces. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious HTTP requests that may contain javascript payloads, and web application firewalls should be configured to filter out potentially malicious input patterns. The implementation of principle of least privilege for web interface access, combined with regular security assessments of industrial network infrastructure, will help reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling web management interfaces when not actively required, and implement multi-factor authentication for any remaining administrative access points. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other industrial equipment, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial control systems where security is often overlooked in favor of functionality and operational requirements.