CVE-2023-2264 in SEL-411L
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2023
An improper input validation vulnerability in the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories SEL-411L could allow a malicious actor to manipulate authorized users to click on a link that could allow undesired behavior.
See product Instruction Manual Appendix A dated 20230830 for more details.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The CVE-2023-2264 vulnerability represents a critical input validation flaw within the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories SEL-411L industrial control device, which operates within critical infrastructure environments. This device serves as a protective relay system designed to monitor and protect electrical power systems, making it a prime target for sophisticated cyber attacks. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user inputs, specifically in the web-based interface that allows operators to configure and monitor system parameters. The flaw manifests when the device fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied data, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior through crafted inputs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software design. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious links or input parameters that, when clicked or processed by authorized users, trigger unintended system behaviors. The vulnerability particularly affects the device's web interface functionality where users can interact with system settings through browser-based controls. This creates a vector for social engineering attacks where malicious actors manipulate authorized personnel into clicking on specially crafted links that exploit the input validation gap. The attack chain typically involves phishing techniques where users are deceived into interacting with malicious content that leverages the validation flaw to execute unauthorized operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as the SEL-411L device plays a crucial role in electrical power system protection and monitoring. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially disrupt power system operations, cause false alarms, or even manipulate protective relay settings that could lead to cascading failures in power grids. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices often operate in isolated networks but may still require remote access for maintenance and configuration purposes. The vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify system configurations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data that controls critical electrical infrastructure components.
Organizations operating SEL-411L devices should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to these critical systems, implementing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious inputs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments for industrial control systems. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation through web application exploitation. Regular security updates and patches from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories should be implemented immediately upon availability, while organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other devices. The incident underscores the critical need for robust input validation practices in all system components, particularly in environments where system integrity directly impacts public safety and infrastructure reliability.