CVE-2024-43795 in cosmos Open Source Edition
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2024
OpenC3 COSMOS provides the functionality needed to send commands to and receive data from one or more embedded systems. The login functionality contains a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This vulnerability is fixed in 5.19.0. Note: This CVE only affects Open Source Edition, and not OpenC3 COSMOS Enterprise Edition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-43795 affects the OpenC3 COSMOS open source platform, which serves as a comprehensive command and control system for managing embedded systems through command transmission and data reception capabilities. This platform is widely utilized in aerospace, defense, and industrial control environments where secure communication with embedded devices is critical for operational success. The affected system provides a centralized interface for operators to interact with multiple embedded systems simultaneously, making it a potentially attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise operational integrity.
The technical flaw manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability within the login functionality of the OpenC3 COSMOS platform. This type of vulnerability occurs when the application includes untrusted data in web pages without proper validation or encoding, allowing malicious scripts to be executed in the context of a victim's browser. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload is reflected off the web server, typically through a URL parameter or form field, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered via phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised web pages. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication mechanism, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions or execute malicious code in the context of authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple web application security concerns, as it directly affects the integrity and confidentiality of the command and control environment. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially gain unauthorized access to the embedded systems managed by OpenC3 COSMOS, compromising the entire operational infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in the login functionality represents a critical weakness in the authentication process, as it could enable attackers to impersonate legitimate users and gain access to sensitive operational data or command execution capabilities. Given that OpenC3 COSMOS is designed for mission-critical applications, such a vulnerability could have severe consequences for operational security and system integrity. The vulnerability's classification as a reflected XSS aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a common vector for attack chains that could lead to privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
The vulnerability affects only the open source edition of OpenC3 COSMOS and not the enterprise edition, indicating that the vendor has implemented additional security measures or has addressed the issue in their commercial offering. This distinction is important for organizations that may be using the open source version and need to assess their risk exposure. The fix for this vulnerability was implemented in version 5.19.0, requiring organizations to upgrade their systems to mitigate the risk. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls, input validation, and regular security assessments to protect against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and the potential risks associated with using open source software that may not receive the same level of security support as commercial products. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning in operational technology environments where the integration of web-based interfaces with critical embedded systems creates multiple potential entry points for attackers.