CVE-2021-38488 in DIALink
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2021
Delta Electronics DIALink versions 1.2.4.0 and prior is vulnerable to cross-site scripting because an authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the parameter comment of the API events, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2021
Delta Electronics DIALink versions 1.2.4.0 and earlier contain a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation within the API events component. This flaw exists in the comment parameter handling mechanism where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being processed and stored within the system. The vulnerability manifests when an authenticated attacker submits malicious JavaScript code through the comment field of the API events functionality, which then gets executed in the context of other users who view the affected content. This represents a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The security implications extend beyond typical XSS attacks as the authenticated nature of the exploit means that an attacker already possesses valid credentials to access the system, potentially enabling more sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat where malicious code injection can occur within the application's event handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate data flows and potentially escalate privileges within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations utilizing Delta Electronics DIALink systems, as it provides a pathway for remote code execution through malicious JavaScript injection. When an authenticated user submits crafted JavaScript through the comment parameter, the code becomes persistent within the system and executes whenever other users access the affected events data. This creates an environment where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions within the application, or redirect users to malicious websites. The attack surface expands due to the authenticated nature of the exploit, meaning that attackers do not need to bypass authentication mechanisms but can instead use legitimate user credentials to inject malicious code. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically JavaScript, and T1566.001 for credential harvesting through social engineering. The system's event management functionality becomes a prime target for exploitation, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate critical system data and compromise the integrity of event logging processes.
Organizations must implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively, beginning with immediate patching of all affected DIALink versions to remediate the input validation flaws. The primary technical fix involves implementing strict input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms within the comment parameter handling process, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes rigorous validation before being processed or stored. Security controls should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, establishing proper input validation routines that reject or escape potentially malicious content, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the DIALink system, enforce multi-factor authentication for all user accounts, and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential similar weaknesses in the broader system architecture, while user awareness training should emphasize the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or entering data into system components that may be targeted by such attacks. The remediation process must also include reviewing access controls and ensuring that users have only the minimum necessary privileges to perform their required functions, thereby limiting the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.