CVE-2023-2265 in SEL-411L
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2023
An Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames in the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories SEL-411L could allow an unauthenticated attacker to perform clickjacking based attacks against an authenticated and authorized user.
See product Instruction Manual Appendix A dated 20230830 for more details.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2023
The CVE-2023-2265 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories SEL-411L device, specifically within its user interface rendering mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper restriction of rendered UI layers or frames, which creates a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by unauthenticated adversaries. The SEL-411L is a protective relaying device commonly used in electrical power systems for monitoring and protection purposes, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the critical infrastructure context in which it operates.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's failure to properly isolate or restrict the rendering of user interface layers and frames, allowing an attacker to craft malicious web content that can overlay legitimate interface elements. This creates a clickjacking scenario where an attacker can manipulate the user interface to deceive authenticated users into performing unintended actions. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's web-based management interface, which is accessible over network connections and typically requires authentication for full administrative access. However, the improper layer restriction allows attackers to exploit the interface even before authentication is completed, or to manipulate authenticated sessions through deceptive UI overlays.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user interface manipulation, as it can potentially enable attackers to perform unauthorized actions on the protective relaying device. In the context of electrical power systems, this could lead to critical operational disruptions or security breaches that compromise the integrity of protective relaying functions. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to maintain proper isolation between different UI layers, which is fundamental to preventing cross-site scripting and user interface manipulation attacks. Attackers could potentially trick authenticated users into clicking on maliciously crafted interface elements that appear to be legitimate controls but actually perform unauthorized operations on the device.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper UI layer isolation mechanisms and ensuring that the device's web interface properly restricts frame rendering and layer composition. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the device's management interface to trusted networks only. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious interface behavior patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which specifically addresses improper restriction of UI layers or frames, and represents a significant risk under the ATT&CK framework's T1531 technique for 'Modify System Firmware', as it could potentially enable attackers to manipulate the device's operational state through interface manipulation. Regular security updates and firmware patches from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability and prevent exploitation attempts.