CVE-2025-9233 in Scada-LTS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2025
A security vulnerability has been detected in Scada-LTS up to 2.7.8.1. Impacted is an unknown function of the file view_edit.shtm. The manipulation of the argument Name leads to cross site scripting. Remote exploitation of the attack is possible. The exploit has been disclosed publicly and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-9233 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within Scada-LTS version 2.7.8.1 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the view_edit.shtm file and specifically targets an unnamed function that processes user input through the Name argument parameter. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise the integrity of the industrial control system interface. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit capability means that threat actors can leverage this weakness without requiring physical access to the system, potentially affecting operational technology environments that rely on Scada-LTS for critical infrastructure management.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the web application layer of Scada-LTS. When the Name argument is processed through the affected function in view_edit.shtm, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as executable script code. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed in the context of a victim's browser, can perform unauthorized actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing arbitrary commands within the application's security context. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which categorizes cross site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling sophisticated attack chains that can compromise the entire industrial control environment. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can target SCADA systems from external networks, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure operations, accessing sensitive operational data, or establishing persistent access points within industrial networks. The public disclosure of exploitation techniques significantly increases the risk to organizations using affected Scada-LTS versions, as threat actors can readily implement this vulnerability without requiring advanced technical skills. This exposure particularly affects sectors such as manufacturing, energy, water treatment, and other industrial environments where SCADA systems control critical processes and where the consequences of successful exploitation could result in operational disruption, safety hazards, or data breaches.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the latest Scada-LTS version that addresses this vulnerability, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script payloads, and conducting thorough security assessments of their industrial control systems. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of SCADA interfaces to untrusted networks. The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter demonstrates how this weakness can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks targeting industrial control systems. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, output encoding, and regular security testing procedures can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and maintain the integrity of critical infrastructure environments.