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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CVSS v3 9.4
ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity/public exploits are available
Vendor: Real Time Automation
Equipment: 460MCBS
Vulnerability: Cross-site Scripting

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to run malicious JavaScript content, resulting in cross site scripting (XSS).

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following Real Time Automation products are affected:

460 Series: Versions prior to v8.9.8

3.2 Vulnerability Overview

3.2.1 IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION (‘CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING’) CWE-79

Real Time Automation 460 Series products with versions prior to v8.9.8 are vulnerable to cross-site scripting, which could allow an attacker to run any JavaScript reference from the URL string. If this were to occur, the gateway’s HTTP interface would redirect to the main page, which is index.htm.

CVE-2023-4523 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 9.4 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:L).

3.3 BACKGROUND

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States

3.4 RESEARCHER

CISA discovered public proof of concept as authored by Yehia Elghaly.

4. MITIGATIONS

Real Time Automation recommends users download and apply the new version of their product. To update the software, contact Real Time Automation directly for assistance.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:

Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:

Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages.
Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.

No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time.

5. UPDATE HISTORY

September 21, 2023: Initial Publication