CVE-2021-33001 in SCADA
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2022
xArrow SCADA versions 7.2 and prior is vulnerable to cross-site scripting due to parameter ‘bdate’ of the resource xhisvalue.htm, which may allow an unauthorized attacker to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2022
The xArrow SCADA system version 7.2 and earlier contains a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that stems from improper input validation within the xhisvalue.htm resource. This vulnerability specifically affects the 'bdate' parameter, which is utilized for date filtering in historical data displays. The flaw represents a classic input sanitization failure where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web responses without adequate encoding or validation measures. Security researchers have identified that this issue creates a pathway for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the web application's response, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the SCADA environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 'bdate' parameter in the xhisvalue.htm resource, which is typically used to retrieve historical data for display purposes. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code within this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize the input before rendering it in the web interface. This allows the malicious script to execute within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially enabling session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the SCADA system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which catalogs cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation creates attack vectors for web-based applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it represents a significant risk to industrial control systems that rely on SCADA platforms for critical infrastructure management. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to historical data, potentially compromising operational security and exposing sensitive information about system operations, equipment status, and process parameters. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in SCADA environments where system integrity and availability are paramount, as it could potentially enable attackers to manipulate system behavior or create conditions for more sophisticated attacks. This weakness could facilitate lateral movement within the network and provide attackers with additional footholds for deeper system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the affected xArrow SCADA system. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation for the 'bdate' field, ensuring that all inputs are properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. The recommended approach includes implementing proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content, utilizing secure coding practices that prevent script injection, and deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious traffic. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable SCADA components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of applying security patches and updates promptly, as the issue affects multiple versions of the xArrow SCADA platform and represents a persistent risk to industrial cybersecurity operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting, indicating the potential for attackers to use automated tools to exploit such weaknesses and establish persistent access to industrial control systems.