CVE-2025-52546 in E3 Supervisory Control
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2025
E3 Site Supervisor Control (firmware version < 2.31F01) has a floor plan feature that allows for an unauthenticated attacker to upload floor plan files. By uploading a specially crafted floor plan file, an attacker can inject a stored XSS to the floorplan web page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-52546 affects the E3 Site Supervisor Control system, specifically targeting firmware versions prior to 2.31F01. This device serves as a critical component in industrial control environments where floor plan visualization capabilities are essential for operational monitoring and management. The affected system implements a web-based interface that allows users to upload and display floor plan files, which are typically used for visual representation of facility layouts and equipment positioning. The security flaw resides within the file upload mechanism of this floor plan feature, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized users to compromise the system's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the floor plan file upload process. When users upload floor plan files through the web interface, the system fails to properly validate the content of these files, particularly regarding embedded script tags or malicious code that could be executed within the browser context. This lack of proper validation creates a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability where malicious payloads can be permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever the affected floor plan web page is accessed. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of inadequate output encoding and input sanitization. The attack vector requires only an unauthenticated user to access the system's web interface and upload a maliciously crafted file, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or network access may be limited.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent backdoor within the system's web interface that can be exploited for various malicious activities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the industrial control system. The stored nature of the XSS payload means that any user who views the compromised floor plan page becomes a potential victim, creating a scalable attack vector that could affect multiple operators or administrators. This vulnerability particularly concerns industrial environments where the E3 Site Supervisor Control systems are used for critical infrastructure monitoring, as it could be leveraged to manipulate visual data, hide malicious activities, or gain unauthorized access to system functions. The attack could be particularly insidious when combined with other reconnaissance activities, as it provides persistent access to the system's web interface without requiring additional authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. The primary and most effective mitigation is the immediate upgrade of all affected E3 Site Supervisor Control devices to firmware version 2.31F01 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for floor plan file uploads. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the system's web interface and establish strict access controls for file upload functionality. Security measures should include implementing content security policies to prevent script execution in the web interface, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file upload activities and unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in industrial control systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering and credential access through web-based attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security training for personnel who interact with these systems, as well as establishing incident response procedures specifically tailored for industrial control system security events.