CVE-2022-2253 in WebHMI
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2022
A user with administrative privileges in Distributed Data Systems WebHMI 4.1.1.7662 may send OS commands to execute on the host server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in the Distributed Data Systems WebHMI 4.1.1.7662 web interface that allows authenticated administrative users to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the underlying host server. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web application's command execution mechanisms, creating a path for privilege escalation and remote code execution. The flaw specifically affects the web-based human machine interface system that manages industrial control processes, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where system integrity and safety are paramount. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The security implications extend beyond simple command execution as the vulnerability enables attackers with administrative access to potentially compromise the entire industrial control infrastructure, potentially leading to system downtime, data manipulation, or physical safety hazards in industrial environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess administrative credentials within the WebHMI system, which represents a significant attack surface consideration given that administrative privileges are typically limited and protected. Once authenticated, the attacker can craft malicious inputs that bypass input validation controls and directly interface with the operating system's command processing capabilities. This typically occurs through improper handling of user-supplied data in parameters that are subsequently passed to system execution functions without adequate sanitization or encoding. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway from the web application layer to the operating system shell, eliminating the need for additional exploitation techniques. The impact is amplified in industrial environments where WebHMI systems often control critical infrastructure components, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations in manufacturing, energy, and other industrial sectors. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental security weakness in the application's architecture where user input is not properly isolated from system execution contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying server infrastructure and potentially enables broader compromise of industrial control networks. Organizations using WebHMI 4.1.1.7662 face significant risks including unauthorized system modification, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of critical industrial processes. The vulnerability's presence in an industrial environment creates additional concerns around regulatory compliance and safety standards, particularly in sectors governed by standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or manipulate industrial processes in ways that could result in physical damage or safety incidents. The compromised system could also serve as a launching point for lateral movement within the industrial network, potentially compromising additional systems and escalating the attack impact. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication, making it accessible to attackers with basic administrative knowledge of the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and access control measures, as the flaw exists in the application's core command processing functionality. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization controls at all points where user data interfaces with system commands, following secure coding practices that prevent command injection attacks. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting administrative access to only necessary personnel and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should be deployed to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to industrial control systems. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in industrial control system applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices in industrial environments where traditional cybersecurity controls may not be sufficient. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting controls and regular security updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that patching does not disrupt critical industrial processes while maintaining system security posture against similar command injection vulnerabilities.