CVE-2022-41313 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_contact"
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2023
The CVE-2022-41313 vulnerability represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the Moxa SDS-3008 Series Industrial Ethernet Switch firmware version 2.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the web application interface functionality of the device, which serves as the primary management portal for network configuration and monitoring operations. The flaw resides in how the device processes and stores user input within the form field identified as id="switch_contact", creating a persistent vector for malicious code injection that can compromise the security of the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, making it particularly dangerous because the malicious JavaScript code becomes permanently stored within the device's web interface rather than requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a specially formatted HTTP request that targets the vulnerable form field within the switch's web management interface. When the malicious payload is submitted through the switch_contact form field, the device fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before storing it in its database or configuration files. This stored data is then served back to users who access the web interface, allowing the malicious JavaScript code to execute within the context of the victim's browser session. The attack vector operates entirely through the HTTP protocol and leverages the device's web application functionality to establish a persistent backdoor that can execute arbitrary code on any system that accesses the compromised management interface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter while operating within the context of web application exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the switch's management interface and potentially the entire network segment it manages. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands with the privileges of the web application user, which typically includes administrative access to network configuration settings, monitoring capabilities, and potentially access to sensitive network information. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that even after the initial attack, the malicious code continues to execute whenever any user accesses the compromised web interface, making it particularly persistent and difficult to detect. Network administrators who regularly access the switch management interface become unwitting participants in the attack, as their browser sessions become compromised each time they interact with the vulnerable device. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising both confidentiality and integrity of network management operations, while also potentially affecting availability through the possibility of further escalation attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest firmware updates from Moxa, which typically address the input sanitization issues that enable this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to the switch management interfaces, limiting the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access to the vulnerable web application. Regular monitoring of network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests and implementation of web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, network administrators should conduct regular security audits of industrial network devices to identify other potential vulnerabilities and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in industrial control systems and highlights the need for robust security practices in network infrastructure devices that are often overlooked in traditional cybersecurity assessments. This issue emphasizes the necessity of treating industrial network equipment with the same security rigor as traditional enterprise systems, as these devices frequently serve as critical entry points for advanced persistent threats targeting operational technology environments.