CVE-2022-3205 in Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 09/14/2022
An XSS exists in automation controller UI where the project name is susceptible to XSS injection
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-3205 represents a cross-site scripting weakness within the automation controller user interface that specifically targets project name inputs. This flaw allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into project name fields, which then execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view these project names. The vulnerability resides in the web application's input validation mechanisms, where user-supplied project names are not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered back to users. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of client-side script injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to serious security implications in web applications. When users create or modify project names within the automation controller interface, if these names contain script tags or malicious payloads, the application fails to properly escape these characters before displaying them in HTML contexts. This creates an environment where an attacker could craft project names containing javascript code that executes when other users browse to pages displaying these project names. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automation environments where multiple users may interact with project data, as it can lead to session hijacking, data theft, or further escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to automation workflows. In enterprise environments where automation controllers manage critical infrastructure operations, an attacker could use this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even inject commands that manipulate automation processes. The attack surface is particularly broad since project names are often displayed in multiple contexts throughout the UI including dashboards, project lists, and detailed views, providing numerous opportunities for exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting, making it a significant vector for further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3205 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data flow. The primary defense involves proper HTML escaping of all user-supplied content before rendering in web pages, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing input length limits and character validation to prevent overly long or malicious input sequences. The solution should follow secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized regardless of their source. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other input fields throughout the application.