CVE-2023-31165 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 • 06/07/2023
The CVE-2023-31165 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Real-Time Automation Controller (SEL RTAC) web interface, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability specifically affects the SEL RTAC series devices that provide real-time automation control for electrical power systems, making it particularly concerning for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments. The flaw exists in the web interface component that processes user input for generating dynamic web content, creating a pathway for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the web application's rendering engine. When authenticated users interact with the RTAC web interface, certain input fields fail to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This allows an attacker who has already established authentication credentials to manipulate web page generation logic through crafted input sequences. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the web interface layer, which often has elevated privileges and access to system configuration parameters.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional web application security concerns due to the critical nature of SEL RTAC devices in power grid automation systems. A successful exploitation could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of the victim user's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network. The authenticated nature of the attack means that the vulnerability requires a valid user account, but this access level is often sufficient to compromise entire industrial control environments. The attack vector typically involves manipulating form fields, URL parameters, or other input mechanisms within the web interface to inject malicious payloads that execute when the page is rendered.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-31165 should prioritize immediate patch application from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories as recommended in their service bulletin dated 2022-11-15, which provides specific firmware updates addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to RTAC devices and enforce strict access controls using the principle of least privilege. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, deploying input validation mechanisms, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control system web interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, though in this case the attack occurs through authenticated web interface manipulation rather than external phishing campaigns. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions specifically designed for industrial control systems to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the increasing security challenges faced by industrial control systems that adopt web-based interfaces for remote management and monitoring. As operational technology environments become more interconnected with corporate networks, the attack surface expands significantly, creating new vectors for exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing all components within industrial environments, including web interfaces that may not traditionally be considered high-risk attack surfaces. Organizations should conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify all web-accessible components within their industrial control systems and ensure proper security controls are implemented across all layers of their infrastructure.