CVE-2023-4202 in EKI-1524
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2023
Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, EKI-1521 devices through 1.21 are affected by a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, which can be triggered by authenticated users in the device name field of the web-interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2023
The Advantech EKI-1524, EKI-1522, and EKI-1521 industrial network devices represent critical infrastructure components used in industrial environments for network connectivity and monitoring. These devices operate as edge routers and switches that facilitate communication between industrial control systems and corporate networks, making them prime targets for cyber adversaries seeking to compromise industrial operations. The vulnerability affects firmware versions through 1.21, indicating a widespread issue across multiple device models within the Advantech product line. These devices are commonly deployed in manufacturing facilities, energy grids, and other critical infrastructure sectors where network reliability and security are paramount for operational continuity.
The vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting flaw in the web-based management interface of these industrial devices. Specifically, authenticated users can inject malicious script code into the device name field, which is then stored on the device and executed when other users view the device information through the web interface. This represents a classic stored XSS vulnerability where the malicious payload persists in the device's database and executes in the context of other users' browsers. The attack requires authentication to the device's web interface, limiting the exploit surface to legitimate users who have administrative or user privileges, but this still represents a significant security risk in industrial environments where access controls may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple web interface compromise. In industrial environments, these devices often serve as critical communication bridges between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially redirect users to malicious websites, steal session cookies, or execute arbitrary code in the context of other users' browser sessions. This could lead to unauthorized access to device management functions, allowing attackers to modify device configurations, disable security features, or redirect network traffic. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active even after the initial injection, creating a persistent threat that could affect multiple users over extended periods.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. This specific implementation flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output encoding practices in the device's web interface code. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which involves the use of spearphishing attachments to gain initial access to systems. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers would need to obtain valid credentials through social engineering, credential theft, or other means before exploiting this vulnerability. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of their industrial cybersecurity frameworks, particularly when implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both external and internal threats.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Advantech to address the stored XSS vulnerability, along with network segmentation to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only. Organizations should implement strict access controls, enforce multi-factor authentication for device management interfaces, and conduct regular security assessments of industrial network components. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, device administrators should regularly review and audit device configurations, implement secure coding practices for any custom web applications, and maintain comprehensive incident response procedures that account for industrial control system environments. The vulnerability underscores the importance of applying security patches promptly and maintaining visibility into industrial network infrastructure to prevent unauthorized modifications that could compromise operational technology environments.