CVE-2023-31153 in SEL Real-Time Automation Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 05/10/2023
An Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Real-Time Automation Controller (SEL RTAC) Web Interface could allow a remote authenticated attacker to inject and execute arbitrary script code.See SEL Service Bulletin dated 2022-11-15 for more details.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2023
The CVE-2023-31153 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Real-Time Automation Controller web interface, specifically affecting the SEL RTAC platform. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental security weakness. The flaw exists in the web interface component of the SEL RTAC system, which serves as a critical control and monitoring platform for industrial automation environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are subsequently executed by other users who access the affected interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web interface components of the SEL RTAC system. When authenticated users interact with the web interface, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. This allows an attacker who has already established authentication credentials to submit malicious payloads through various input fields or parameters within the web interface. The lack of proper sanitization means that crafted script code can be stored and later executed in the context of other users' browsers, creating a persistent cross-site scripting attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional web application security concerns, particularly within industrial control systems environments where the SEL RTAC serves as a critical component for real-time automation and monitoring. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive operational data, or manipulate control system parameters through malicious script execution. The authenticated nature of the attack means that the threat actor must first establish valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the overall risk given that industrial environments often face credential compromise through various attack vectors including phishing, password reuse, or insider threats. The attack could potentially lead to unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, or even operational disruption of critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-31153 should prioritize immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patches and updates detailed in the SEL Service Bulletin dated 2022-11-15. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected web interface to only authorized personnel. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script payloads, conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system web interfaces, and establishing robust credential management practices. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering tactics that could lead to credential compromise, and T1059, which addresses command and scripting interpreters used for code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with XSS attack attempts within their industrial control system environments.