CVE-2022-46381 in eMerge E3-Series
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2022
Certain Linear eMerge E3-Series devices are vulnerable to XSS via the type parameter (e.g., to the badging/badge_template_v0.php component). This affects 0.32-08f, 0.32-07p, 0.32-07e, 0.32-09c, 0.32-09b, 0.32-09a, and 0.32-08e.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-46381 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within Linear eMerge E3-Series security devices, specifically affecting firmware versions 0.32-08f, 0.32-07p, 0.32-07e, 0.32-09c, 0.32-09b, 0.32-09a, and 0.32-08e. This issue resides in the badging/badge_template_v0.php component where the type parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into web interfaces. The affected devices operate within physical security environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could compromise access control systems and badge management functionalities. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users. This weakness is classified as a code-level vulnerability that occurs when applications fail to validate or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content.
The operational impact of this XSS vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it could enable attackers to manipulate the badge template functionality within the security system. An attacker could potentially inject malicious scripts that redirect users to phishing sites, steal authentication cookies, or even modify badge templates to grant unauthorized access privileges. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these devices manage employee access to secure facilities, potentially allowing unauthorized individuals to gain physical access to restricted areas. According to ATT&CK framework domain T1566, this vulnerability aligns with the initial access tactics where adversaries exploit web application vulnerabilities to establish footholds within target networks. The fact that multiple firmware versions are affected suggests a systemic issue in the device's input validation mechanisms rather than an isolated bug, indicating that the vulnerability may have persisted across several releases due to inadequate security testing or code review processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-46381 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Linear Technologies to address the input sanitization issue in the badge template component. Network administrators must implement strict input validation controls at the application level, ensuring that all parameters including the type parameter are properly escaped before being rendered in web interfaces. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policies can provide an additional layer of protection against script injection attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the browser context. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around badge management functions. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that access to these security devices remains restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing all components within physical security infrastructure, as web-based management interfaces often serve as primary attack vectors for adversaries seeking to compromise enterprise security systems.