CVE-2023-5769 in RTU500
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
A vulnerability exists in the webserver that affects the RTU500 series product versions listed below. A malicious actor could perform cross-site scripting on the webserver due to user input being improperly sanitized.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5769 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the webserver component of RTU500 series industrial control devices. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly process user-supplied data before incorporating it into web responses. The affected RTU500 series products operate within industrial environments where web interfaces are commonly used for device management and monitoring purposes, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to compromise system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when user input enters the webserver through various interface elements such as form fields, URL parameters, or API endpoints without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of legitimate user sessions. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, where insufficient validation of input data creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate web applications and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data or system controls. The vulnerability can be exploited through standard web browser-based attacks where crafted payloads are delivered to unsuspecting users who interact with the compromised web interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5769 extends beyond simple web interface compromise into potential industrial control system disruption. In industrial environments, RTU500 series devices typically serve as critical communication nodes between field devices and supervisory control systems, making them prime targets for attackers seeking to disrupt operations or gain deeper access to industrial networks. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or manipulate device configurations. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of industrial control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data corruption, or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The threat landscape for such industrial devices is further complicated by the fact that these systems often operate in isolated networks with limited security monitoring, making detection and response more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5769 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the webserver component. Organizations should immediately apply vendor-provided security patches and firmware updates to address the identified vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify additional vulnerabilities within industrial control system environments. The implementation of web application firewalls and input sanitization measures can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious web traffic patterns and anomalous user behavior within industrial control system interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web interface access and establish secure configuration management processes to prevent unauthorized modifications to device settings that could exacerbate the vulnerability.