ICS Advisory

Delta Electronics DIALink

Last Revised
Alert Code
ICSA-21-294-02

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • CVSS v3 8.8
  • ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
  • Vendor: Delta Electronics
  • Equipment: DIALink
  • Vulnerabilities: Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, Cross-site Scripting, Improper Neutralization of Formula Elements in a CSV File, Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information, Uncontrolled Search Path Element, Incorrect Default Permissions

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to access unauthorized information, remotely execute code, access the application directory and escalate privileges, take over the system where the software is installed, and modify the installation directory and upload malicious files.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of the DIALink industrial automation server are affected:

  • DIALink: Versions 1.2.4.0 and prior

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

3.2.1    CLEARTEXT TRANSMISSION OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION CWE-319

The affected product runs by default on HTTP, which may allow an attacker to be positioned between the traffic and perform a machine-in-the-middle attack to access information without authorization.

CVE-2021-38418 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.2.2    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION ('CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING') CWE-79

The affected product is vulnerable to cross-site scripting because an authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the parameter name of the API schedule, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute code.

CVE-2021-38428 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 5.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).

3.2.3    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION ('CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING') CWE-79

The affected product is vulnerable to cross-site scripting because an authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the parameter comment of the API events, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute code.

CVE-2021-38488 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 5.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).

3.2.4    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION ('CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING') CWE-79

The affected product is vulnerable to cross-site scripting because an authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the parameter name of the API devices, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute code.

CVE-2021-38407  has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 5.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).

3.2.5    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION ('CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING') CWE-79

The affected product is vulnerable to cross-site scripting because an authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the parameter supplier of the API maintenance, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute code.

CVE-2021-38403 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 5.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).

3.2.6    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION ('CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING') CWE-79

The affected product is vulnerable to cross-site scripting because an authenticated attacker can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the parameter deviceName of the API modbusWriter-Reader, which may allow an attacker to remotely execute code.

CVE-2021-38411 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 5.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).

3.2.7    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF FORMULA ELEMENTS IN A CSV FILE CWE-1236

The tag interface of the affected product is vulnerable to an attacker injecting formulas into the tag data. Those formulas may then be executed when it is opened with a spreadsheet application.

CVE-2021-38424 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 5.9 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L).

3.2.8    CLEARTEXT STORAGE OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION CWE-312

The affected product stores sensitive information in cleartext, which may allow an attacker to have extensive access to the application directory and escalate privileges.

CVE-2021-38422 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.2.9    UNCONTROLLED SEARCH PATH ELEMENT CWE-427

The affected product insecurely loads libraries, which may allow an attacker to use DLL hijacking and takeover the system where the software is installed.

CVE-2021-38416 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.2.10    INCORRECT DEFAULT PERMISSIONS CWE-276

The affected product’s default permissions give extensive permissions to low-privileged user accounts, which may allow an attacker to modify the installation directory and upload malicious files.

CVE-2021-38420 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.3 BACKGROUND

  • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
  • COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
  • COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Taiwan

3.4 RESEARCHER

Michael Heinzl reported these vulnerabilities to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

Delta Electronics is aware of the vulnerabilities and is currently working on an update. 

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. Specifically, users should:

  • Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, and ensure that they are not accessible from the Internet.
  • Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls, and isolate them from the business network.
  • When remote access is required, use 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 its 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 us-cert.cisa.gov. Several recommended practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage on us-cert.cisa.gov in the Technical Information Paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.



Organizations observing any suspected malicious activity should follow their established internal procedures and report their 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:

No known public exploits specifically target these vulnerabilities.

This product is provided subject to this Notification and this Privacy & Use policy.

Vendor

Delta Electronics