CVE-2022-2254 in WebHMI
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2022
A user with administrative privileges in Distributed Data Systems WebHMI 4.1.1.7662 can store a script that could impact other logged in users.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2254 represents a critical security flaw within the Distributed Data Systems WebHMI 4.1.1.7662 platform that enables privilege escalation and cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web interface, allowing authenticated administrative users to inject malicious scripts that persistently affect other logged-in users. The vulnerability exists in the web-based human machine interface system that typically serves industrial control environments, making it particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the web application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input when processing administrative commands or configuration changes. When an administrator stores or submits content containing malicious script code, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable code by web browsers. This creates a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects all users currently logged into the WebHMI system, regardless of their individual privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation that allows malicious payloads to be stored and executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2254 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers with administrative access to potentially escalate privileges further or establish persistent access to industrial control systems. In industrial environments where WebHMI systems control critical infrastructure, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to manipulate operational data, disrupt processes, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational parameters. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires only administrative privileges to exploit, which are often more accessible in industrial environments where multiple operators may have elevated access for system maintenance. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with attachments, as it enables the delivery of malicious code through legitimate administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2254 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the WebHMI application. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address the vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit administrative access to only necessary personnel, reducing the attack surface. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation issues in other industrial control system components. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in industrial control systems and emphasizes the need for regular security assessments of operational technology environments. Organizations should also consider implementing user activity monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify suspicious administrative activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.