CVE-2019-20375 in Electronic Logbook
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Electronic Logbook (ELOG) 3.1.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the value parameter in a localization (loc) command to elogd.c.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20375 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Electronic Logbook (ELOG) version 3.1.4 system. This security weakness exists in the web application's handling of user input through the localization command mechanism, specifically when processing the value parameter in requests directed to the elogd.c component. The Electronic Logbook system is commonly used for maintaining operational records and logs in scientific and industrial environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on such systems for critical operations.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the ELOG application's localization functionality. When a remote attacker submits a malicious payload through the value parameter of a localization command, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into the web response. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content. The vulnerability specifically affects the elogd.c component which serves as the primary interface for handling logbook operations and user interactions.
The operational impact of this XSS vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent malicious sessions, steal user authentication tokens, redirect victims to phishing sites, or even execute arbitrary commands within the browser context. Given that ELOG systems often contain sensitive operational data, including experimental results, maintenance logs, and system configurations, the potential for data compromise is significant. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of ELOG that properly sanitizes all user inputs and implements comprehensive output encoding for all dynamic content. Additionally, implementing a web application firewall (WAF) with XSS detection capabilities can provide an additional protective barrier. Security configurations should include strict input validation rules that reject or sanitize any content containing potentially dangerous characters or script tags. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of the affected system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through web application attacks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive application security measures for operational technology environments.