CVE-2024-6558 in Anybus-CompactCom 30
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2024
HMS Industrial Networks
Anybus-CompactCom 30 products are vulnerable to a XSS attack caused by the lack of input sanitation checks. As a consequence, it is possible to insert HTML code into input fields and store the HTML code. The stored HTML code will be embedded in the page and executed by host browser the next time the page is loaded, enabling social engineering attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2024
The CVE-2024-6558 vulnerability affects HMS Industrial Networks Anybus-CompactCom 30 products, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security of industrial control systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms within the device's web interface, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors targeting industrial infrastructure. The flaw resides in the product's handling of user-supplied data within input fields, where HTML code can be injected and subsequently stored on the device's server. The vulnerability manifests when users interact with the web-based management interface, as the system fails to properly validate or sanitize any data entered into form fields, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that persist within the device's storage mechanisms. This weakness directly violates security principles established in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. The implications extend beyond traditional web application security concerns, as industrial control systems often operate in environments where security breaches can have severe operational consequences. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of the victim's browser, potentially compromising the integrity of the industrial network's management interface and creating opportunities for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning within industrial environments where the Anybus-CompactCom 30 devices serve as critical communication modules connecting various industrial components. When an attacker successfully injects malicious HTML code through the vulnerable input fields, the stored payload executes automatically every time the affected page is loaded, creating a persistent threat vector. This characteristic enables sophisticated social engineering attacks where attackers can manipulate the web interface to deceive administrators, potentially redirecting them to malicious sites or extracting sensitive information from the management interface. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that these devices often operate within closed industrial networks where traditional security measures may be less robust, making the exploitation of such vulnerabilities particularly dangerous. The vulnerability can be leveraged to perform actions such as modifying device configurations, stealing administrative credentials, or creating backdoor access points within the industrial network infrastructure. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 category for command and scripting interpreter, as the stored XSS payload can execute commands or manipulate the device's operational behavior through browser-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-6558 should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by HMS Industrial Networks, as the vulnerability requires core system modifications to properly sanitize user inputs and prevent HTML injection. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical industrial processes and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls at network boundaries can provide additional defense layers, while regular security assessments should include thorough testing of web interfaces for similar vulnerabilities. Security teams must also consider the broader industrial cybersecurity posture, implementing comprehensive incident response procedures that account for potential exploitation of such vulnerabilities within operational technology environments. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of industrial control systems should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other networked devices, as the presence of one vulnerability often indicates potential for additional security flaws within the same product line or similar industrial equipment. The remediation process should also include comprehensive staff training on recognizing social engineering attacks that could exploit this vulnerability, as well as establishing protocols for secure device management and access control within industrial environments.