CVE-2023-0757 in MULTIPROG
Summary
by MITRE • 12/14/2023
Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability in PHOENIX CONTACT MULTIPROG, PHOENIX CONTACT ProConOS eCLR (SDK) allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to upload arbitrary malicious code and gain full access on the affected device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0757 represents a critical security flaw in PHOENIX CONTACT MULTIPROG and PHOENIX CONTACT ProConOS eCLR (SDK) systems that fundamentally undermines the security posture of industrial control environments. This vulnerability manifests as an incorrect permission assignment for critical resources, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code uploads and subsequently gain complete administrative access to affected devices. The flaw exists within the authorization mechanisms of these industrial automation platforms, where proper access controls fail to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components.
This vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper access control and privilege escalation, aligning with CWE-284 which specifically addresses inadequate access control measures. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote exploitation without requiring authentication credentials, making it accessible to adversaries who may not have physical access to the industrial infrastructure. The affected systems are typically deployed in industrial environments where operational technology (OT) security is paramount, yet these platforms present a significant risk due to their exposed network interfaces and the potential for lateral movement within industrial networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0757 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and potential disruption of critical industrial processes. Attackers can upload malicious code that persists across system reboots, potentially establishing backdoors or command and control capabilities. This vulnerability particularly affects industrial automation and control systems where uptime and integrity are critical, as unauthorized modifications could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The implications are severe given that these systems often operate in environments where security is traditionally less stringent than in traditional IT environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected systems from general network access, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious upload activities, and apply vendor-provided patches as soon as they become available. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and execution techniques, emphasizing the need for layered security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other industrial control systems, while access control policies must be reviewed to ensure proper least-privilege principles are maintained. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous code upload patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts against these critical industrial platforms.