CVE-2021-21801 in R-SeeNet
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2021
This vulnerability is present in device_graph_page.php script, which is a part of the Advantech R-SeeNet web applications. A specially crafted URL by an attacker and visited by a victim can lead to arbitrary JavaScript code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-21801 resides within the device_graph_page.php script of Advantech R-SeeNet web applications, representing a critical server-side vulnerability that enables remote code execution through cross-site scripting attacks. This flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing specially formatted JavaScript code that gets executed within the victim's browser context upon visiting the page. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's handling of user-supplied parameters, allowing malicious payloads to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web application user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic cross-site scripting pattern where the device_graph_page.php script fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. When a victim navigates to a maliciously crafted URL, the JavaScript payload is executed within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is classified under the OWASP Top Ten as a critical security weakness. The attack vector leverages the principle of trust by executing malicious code through a legitimate web application interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through social engineering campaigns or compromised web pages.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2021-21801 can result in complete compromise of the affected web application and underlying system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the Advantech R-SeeNet platform, which is commonly deployed in industrial environments for monitoring and control systems, making it particularly concerning for operational technology networks where security is paramount. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring authentication, and the impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential disruption of critical industrial processes and data integrity compromise.
Security mitigations for CVE-2021-21801 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The recommended approach includes implementing strict parameter validation, employing context-specific output encoding, and utilizing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege for web application accounts and ensure regular security updates are applied to all components of the R-SeeNet platform. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and users can help prevent successful social engineering attacks that may leverage this vulnerability. The mitigation strategies should align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's techniques for command and control, specifically targeting T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols and T1566 Phishing to prevent initial compromise through malicious URL delivery.