CVE-2023-1897 in Power Focus 6000
Summary
by MITRE • 06/12/2023
Atlas Copco Power Focus 6000 web server does not sanitize the login information stored by the authenticated user’s browser, which could allow an attacker with access to the user’s computer to gain credential information of the controller.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-1897 affects the Atlas Copco Power Focus 6000 web server implementation, representing a critical security flaw in industrial control systems. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms within the web interface that manages user authentication and session handling. The affected device operates within industrial environments where operational technology (OT) systems require robust security controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability specifically targets the browser-based authentication storage mechanism, creating a persistent threat vector that extends beyond traditional network boundaries into the physical security domain of industrial operations.
The technical flaw manifests when the web server fails to properly sanitize login credentials that are stored by the user's browser after successful authentication. This improper sanitization creates a situation where sensitive authentication data remains accessible in an unencrypted or inadequately protected format within the browser's local storage mechanisms. The vulnerability allows an attacker who has already gained access to a user's computer through methods such as phishing attacks, malware infection, or physical access to directly extract stored credentials without requiring additional network-based exploitation. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in implementing proper credential management practices within industrial web interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with direct access to industrial control systems that manage critical processes. In the context of power generation and industrial automation, unauthorized access to such systems can result in operational disruptions, safety hazards, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users may access the same system, creating a chain reaction where compromising one user's credentials can potentially provide access to broader operational capabilities. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a significant risk to industrial cybersecurity frameworks that require multi-layered protection strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-1897 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. Organizations must implement proper credential sanitization protocols within the web server implementation to ensure that stored authentication data is properly encrypted and protected. The solution involves configuring the web interface to utilize secure storage mechanisms that prevent credential leakage to unauthorized processes or users. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of credential compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to T1566, which covers credential harvesting through social engineering, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts usage. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication and regular security assessments of industrial web interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their OT infrastructure.