CVE-2022-41312 in DS-3008
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2023
A stored cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in the web application functionality of Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch 2.1. A specially-crafted HTTP request can lead to arbitrary Javascript execution. An attacker can send an HTTP request to trigger this vulnerability.Form field id="Switch Description", name "switch_description"
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2022-41312 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw in Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch firmware version 2.1. This weakness resides within the web application interface of the industrial networking equipment, specifically in the handling of user-supplied input through the form field identified as id="Switch Description" with the corresponding name attribute "switch_description". The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a common web application security flaw where malicious scripts are injected into trusted websites. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious JavaScript code is permanently saved within the application's database or storage system, making it persistently executable whenever the affected page is accessed by any user.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP request that targets the switch_description parameter within the web interface. When an attacker submits malicious JavaScript code through this input field, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the user input before storing it. This allows the malicious script to be executed in the context of any user's browser who views the affected page containing the stored malicious content. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks. The industrial context of the affected device adds significant operational risk since network administrators and maintenance personnel may unknowingly execute malicious code while managing the switch configuration through its web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical web application security concerns due to the industrial networking environment. Network administrators managing Moxa SDS-3008 switches may inadvertently execute malicious scripts while performing routine configuration tasks, potentially leading to unauthorized access to the network infrastructure. This could enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal sensitive configuration data, or establish persistent access points within industrial control networks. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the network switch functionality, potentially disrupting critical industrial operations. According to ATT&CK framework tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) and technique T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application), this vulnerability represents a prime vector for attackers to gain initial access to industrial networks through compromised network infrastructure. The persistence of stored XSS makes it particularly dangerous as the malicious code remains active until the affected parameter is properly sanitized or the device is rebooted.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41312 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Moxa to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected switch web interfaces and restrict administrative access to only trusted personnel. Input validation controls should be enhanced to properly sanitize all user-supplied data before storage, particularly focusing on the switch_description parameter. Network monitoring tools should be configured to detect suspicious HTTP requests containing potential XSS payloads. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of industrial network equipment and maintain updated inventories of all connected devices. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper output encoding mechanisms would provide additional protection layers against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable parameter, ensuring that the industrial network infrastructure maintains its integrity and availability against sophisticated cyber threats.