CVE-2024-38502
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web interfaces. When users view compromised pages, attackers can steal session cookies, credentials, or trigger device reboots. This affects devices with vulnerable web management interfaces exposed to untrusted networks.
💻 Affected Systems
- Specific products not detailed in reference; appears to be embedded/IoT devices with web interfaces
📦 What is this software?
Eip\/modbus Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
Ethernet\/ip Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
Icdm Rx\/tcp Socketserver Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
View all CVEs affecting Icdm Rx\/tcp Socketserver Firmware →
Modbus Router Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
Modbus Server Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
Modbus Tcp Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
Profinet Firmware by Pepperl Fuchs
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of device management, credential theft leading to lateral movement, persistent device disruption through repeated reboots, and potential foothold for further attacks.
Likely Case
Session hijacking of administrative users, information disclosure from browser sessions, and temporary service disruption through device reboots.
If Mitigated
Limited to information disclosure from non-privileged users if proper input validation and output encoding are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Stored XSS typically requires finding injection points but is straightforward once identified; no authentication needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor-specific updates
Vendor Advisory: https://cert.vde.com/en/advisories/VDE-2024-033
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify affected device model and current firmware version. 2. Check vendor website for security updates. 3. Download and apply firmware patch. 4. Reboot device as required. 5. Verify fix by testing XSS payloads.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation and Output Encoding
allImplement server-side validation of all user inputs and encode outputs before rendering in browser
Content Security Policy
allImplement CSP headers to restrict script execution sources
Content-Security-Policy: default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices behind firewalls with strict network access controls
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payload patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test web interfaces with standard XSS payloads like <script>alert('XSS')</script> in input fieldsCheck Version:
Check device web interface for firmware version or use vendor-specific CLI commandsVerify Fix Applied:
Retest with same XSS payloads; scripts should not execute and should be properly encoded in output📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual long strings in HTTP POST/PUT requests
- Script tags or JavaScript in URL parameters or form submissions
- Multiple device reboot events
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing script tags or encoded payloads
- Unusual outbound connections after visiting device web interface
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (http_request CONTAINS "<script>" OR http_request CONTAINS "javascript:")