CVE-2021-3351 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-3351, a stored XSS vulnerability in OpenPLC runtime V3 through 2016-03-14. Understand the impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
OpenPLC runtime V3 through 2016-03-14 allows stored XSS via the Device Name to the web server's Add New Device page.
Understanding CVE-2021-3351
A detailed overview of the vulnerability and its impact.
What is CVE-2021-3351?
CVE-2021-3351 involves a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in OpenPLC runtime V3 through 2016-03-14. This vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious scripts through the Device Name field on the web server's Add New Device page.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3351
The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of an authenticated user, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or further attacks on the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3351
A deeper dive into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises due to insufficient input validation on the Device Name field, allowing attackers to embed malicious scripts that will be executed in the victim's browser when the specific page is viewed.
Affected Systems and Versions
OpenPLC runtime V3 through 2016-03-14 are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by crafting a malicious Device Name containing JavaScript or other executable code, which gets executed in the context of the user's session when the Add New Device page is loaded.
Mitigation and Prevention
Best practices to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-3351.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to avoid unsanitized inputs and implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks. Additionally, restricting access to the affected page can help reduce the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regular security assessments, code reviews, and security training for developers can enhance overall system security and reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities being introduced in the future.
Patching and Updates
Vendor-provided patches or updates addressing the XSS vulnerability should be promptly applied to affected OpenPLC runtime instances to mitigate the risk of exploitation.