CVE-2023-46470 in Yamcs
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2023
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in Space Applications Services Yamcs v.5.8.6 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via crafted telecommand in the timeline view of the ArchiveBrowser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2023-46470 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the Space Applications Services Yamcs platform version 5.8.6. This vulnerability exists in the ArchiveBrowser component's timeline view functionality, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this space mission operations software. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser, potentially compromising the entire user session and accessing sensitive operational data.
This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the timeline view processing logic of the ArchiveBrowser module. When users interact with the timeline functionality to view archived telemetry data, the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied telecommand parameters before rendering them in the web interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests when crafted telecommand data containing malicious script payloads is processed through the timeline view, bypassing standard security controls designed to prevent code injection attacks. The flaw operates as a classic reflected cross site scripting vulnerability where attacker-controlled input is directly embedded into dynamically generated web pages without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and access sensitive mission-critical data within the Yamcs environment. Attackers could potentially steal user authentication tokens, access confidential telemetry data, manipulate timeline displays, or even redirect users to malicious sites. Given that Yamcs is commonly used in space mission operations where data integrity and security are paramount, this vulnerability could compromise the entire mission control infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to systems or network proximity to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in distributed mission operations environments.
Organizations utilizing Yamcs v.5.8.6 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation patches, output encoding improvements, and web application firewall rules to prevent malicious payloads from reaching the timeline view functionality. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies, disabling unnecessary features, and conducting thorough penetration testing of the ArchiveBrowser component. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments are essential to prevent exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability represents a persistent risk to operational security in space mission environments where system integrity is critical for mission success and data protection.