1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CVSS v4 5.3
ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
Vendor: Hitachi Energy
Equipment: Modular Switchgear Monitoring (MSM)
Vulnerability: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute untrusted code, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or system compromise.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

Hitachi Energy reports the following products are affected:

Hitachi Energy MSM: Version 2.2.9 and prior

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

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

In jQuery versions greater than or equal to 1.2 and before 3.5.0, passing HTML from untrusted sources - even after sanitizing it - to one of jQuery's DOM manipulation methods (i.e., .html(), .append(), and others) may result in the execution of untrusted code.

CVE-2020-11022 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.1 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2020-11022. A base score of 5.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:L/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.3 BACKGROUND

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Energy
COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Switzerland

3.4 RESEARCHER

Hitachi Energy PSIRT reported this vulnerability to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

Hitachi Energy has identified the following specific workarounds and mitigations users can apply to reduce risk:

Hitachi Energy MSM 2.2.9: Apply General Mitigation Factors/Workarounds

For more information see the associated Hitachi Energy PSIRT security advisory 8DBD000219 Cybersecurity Advisory - jQuery Vulnerability in Hitachi Energy's MSM Product.

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). Recognize VPNs may have vulnerabilities, should be updated to the most recent version available, and are 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. 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 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.

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

5. UPDATE HISTORY

July 1, 2025: Initial Republication of Hitachi Energy PSIRT 8DBD000219