CVE-2023-48978 in ITM Web Terminal
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2025
An issue in NCR ITM Web terminal v.4.4.0 and v.4.4.4 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the IP camera URL component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48978 affects NCR ITM Web terminal versions 4.4.0 and 4.4.4, presenting a critical remote code execution risk that stems from improper input validation within the IP camera URL component. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed within the context of the web terminal application, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability resides in the manner in which the application processes URL parameters, specifically those related to IP camera configurations, where insufficient sanitization permits arbitrary code injection through crafted script payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing executable script code within the IP camera URL component. The web terminal application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before processing it, creating a path for code injection attacks. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to remote code execution. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially gaining complete administrative control over the NCR ITM Web terminal.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with unrestricted access to execute commands on the target system. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects web-based components that are typically accessible over network connections, making exploitation relatively straightforward. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The affected NCR ITM Web terminal systems could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, especially in environments where these devices are connected to internal networks or are part of critical infrastructure deployments.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48978 should prioritize immediate patch application from NCR, as this represents the most effective defense against the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious URL requests. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened throughout the application to prevent unauthorized script execution, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', indicating that attackers may leverage JavaScript-based payloads to exploit this weakness. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous URL patterns and potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on the specific URL components associated with IP camera configurations that are vulnerable to this attack vector.