CVE-2022-27237 in SystemLink
Summary
by MITRE • 04/21/2022
There is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in an NI Web Server component installed with several NI products. Depending on the product(s) in use, remediation guidance includes: install SystemLink version 2021 R3 or later, install FlexLogger 2022 Q2 or later, install LabVIEW 2021 SP1, install G Web Development 2022 R1 or later, or install Static Test Software Suite version 1.2 or later.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-27237 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the NI Web Server component that affects multiple National Instruments products. This vulnerability resides in the web server functionality that is integrated into various NI software solutions, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a user's browser session. The affected products include SystemLink, FlexLogger, LabVIEW, G Web Development, and Static Test Software Suite, each requiring specific version updates to remediate the issue. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the web server's handling of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that could be executed when other users view affected web pages. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses, creating opportunities for attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code within web pages served by the NI Web Server. The flaw typically manifests when web applications fail to encode special characters or validate input parameters, allowing script tags or other malicious code to be injected into web responses. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal user sessions, redirect victims to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The impact is particularly severe because these NI products are commonly used in industrial and scientific environments where sensitive operational data may be accessible through the web interfaces, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical systems or data. The remediation guidance provided by National Instruments specifically targets version updates that include patched web server components with proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-27237 extends beyond simple script execution, as it could enable attackers to compromise entire industrial control systems that rely on these NI products for web-based management and monitoring. Organizations using affected versions of SystemLink, FlexLogger, LabVIEW, G Web Development, or Static Test Software Suite face potential risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and operational disruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where these tools are used for critical infrastructure monitoring or control, as the XSS attack could be used to manipulate data displayed in web interfaces or redirect users to phishing sites designed to capture credentials. Security teams must prioritize the remediation of this vulnerability across all affected systems, as the attack surface includes any user interaction with web-based interfaces provided by these NI products. The remediation process requires careful planning and testing to ensure that updated versions maintain compatibility with existing workflows while eliminating the XSS vulnerability that could be exploited by threat actors. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring and detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability before full remediation is completed.