CVE-2023-23452 in FX0-GPNT
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2023
Missing Authentication for Critical Function in SICK FX0-GPNT v3 Firmware Version V3.04 and V3.05 allows an unprivileged remote attacker to achieve arbitrary remote code execution via maliciously crafted RK512 commands to the listener on TCP port 9000.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-23452 represents a critical authentication flaw in SICK FX0-GPNT industrial devices running firmware versions V3.04 and V3.05. This issue falls under the CWE-306 category of "Missing Authentication for Critical Function" and exposes a fundamental security weakness in the device's communication protocol. The affected device operates a listener service on TCP port 9000 which accepts RK512 commands without proper authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized remote code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the device's critical functions that should require proper authentication before execution, but instead remain accessible to any remote attacker who can establish a connection to the designated port. This represents a severe compromise of the device's security model and operational integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of RK512 commands sent to the TCP port 9000 listener. These commands are designed to control critical device functions but lack any form of authentication verification or access control checks. An attacker can craft malicious payloads that bypass normal authentication procedures and directly invoke privileged operations within the device's firmware. The absence of authentication mechanisms means that legitimate administrative access controls are completely circumvented, allowing any remote entity to execute arbitrary code on the target device. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such devices often control critical infrastructure components and may be located in physically accessible or network-accessible locations without proper security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential operational disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain full administrative control over the affected SICK FX0-GPNT devices, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system manipulation, or denial of service conditions. The industrial control systems environment makes this particularly concerning as these devices often operate in critical infrastructure settings where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational, financial, and safety consequences. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network proximity, enabling attacks from anywhere on the internet. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and represents a classic case of insufficient authentication controls in network services.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-23452 must address both immediate and long-term security requirements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying firmware updates from SICK to patch the authentication deficiency in the affected firmware versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from general network access and restrict TCP port 9000 access to only authorized administrative systems. Additional defensive measures include deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious RK512 command patterns and implementing firewall rules to block external access to the vulnerable port. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication design in industrial control systems and aligns with security frameworks that emphasize the principle of least privilege and defense in depth. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify similar authentication gaps in other network services and devices that may be similarly exposed to remote exploitation.