CVE-2019-7255 in Linear eMerge E3
Summary
by MITRE
Linear eMerge E3-Series devices allow XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2024
The Linear eMerge E3-Series devices represent a line of network video recording equipment designed for security applications in commercial and industrial environments. These devices typically serve as central management points for video surveillance systems, handling video streams, user authentication, and system configuration management. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7255 affects the web-based management interface of these devices, exposing them to cross-site scripting attacks that can compromise the security posture of the entire surveillance infrastructure. This class of vulnerability is particularly concerning in security contexts where device management interfaces are accessible over networks and contain sensitive operational data.
The technical flaw manifests as a cross-site scripting vulnerability within the web interface of the E3-Series devices, specifically in how the system processes and renders user-supplied input parameters. This vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious script code into web pages viewed by other users, particularly those with administrative privileges. The flaw likely exists in input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or encode user-provided data before it is rendered in web responses. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of a client-side injection vulnerability. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious payloads through URL parameters or form inputs that are then executed in the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical surveillance systems. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges, modify system configurations, or even gain access to live video feeds and recorded footage. In security environments where these devices manage sensitive facilities, such as financial institutions, government buildings, or critical infrastructure, the compromise of the management interface could lead to complete system takeover. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which covers application layer protocol: web protocols, and T1566 which addresses credential harvesting through social engineering and web application attacks. The exposure of administrative interfaces to XSS attacks creates a significant risk for lateral movement within networks and can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7255 should begin with immediate firmware updates from Linear, as this vulnerability requires patching at the device level to address the underlying input validation flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical network segments and limit administrative access to only necessary personnel. Web application firewalls and input validation controls should be deployed to provide additional layers of protection against similar attacks. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious web traffic patterns and unusual administrative activities. Regular security assessments of networked devices, particularly those with web interfaces, are essential for identifying similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in embedded systems, particularly those handling sensitive security data in industrial environments.