CVE-2020-29029 in GateManager
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2021
Improper Input Validation, Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Web GUI of Secomea GateManager allows an attacker to execute arbitrary javascript code. This issue affects: Secomea GateManager all versions prior to 9.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2021
The CVE-2020-29029 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the web graphical user interface of Secomea GateManager industrial networking equipment. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before processing or rendering within the web interface. The flaw exists in all versions of GateManager prior to version 9.4, making a substantial portion of deployed industrial security infrastructure potentially vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability specifically affects the web GUI component, which serves as the primary administrative interface for configuring and managing the device's network connectivity and security policies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code through input fields or parameters that are not properly validated or escaped. When the vulnerable web interface processes this malicious input, it executes the injected javascript within the context of the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent cross-site scripting condition where attackers can manipulate the web interface to perform unauthorized actions, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or extract sensitive information from the administrative interface. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, as it targets the web interface directly.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risk to industrial environments that rely on Secomea GateManager for secure remote access and network management. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential disruption of critical network operations, unauthorized access to industrial control systems, and compromise of the entire security infrastructure managed by the device. The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring physical access or authentication to the device itself, making it particularly dangerous in environments where such devices are exposed to untrusted network segments. Organizations using affected versions may face regulatory compliance issues if their industrial control systems are compromised through this vector.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2020-29029 centers on upgrading to Secomea GateManager version 9.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent javascript injection attacks. Security administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the web interface to untrusted networks. Additional mitigations include regular security assessments of industrial control systems, monitoring for suspicious network activity, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based execution through web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across industrial network infrastructure.