CVE-2023-23453 in FX0-GENT
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2023
Missing Authentication for Critical Function in SICK FX0-GENT 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 identified as CVE-2023-23453 represents a critical authentication flaw within the SICK FX0-GENT industrial sensor device firmware versions V3.04 and V3.05. This weakness resides in the device's failure to properly authenticate requests for critical functions, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's communication interface that operates on TCP port 9000, where the RK512 command protocol is processed. This represents a fundamental failure in the device's security architecture, as it permits unauthenticated access to core system functions that should be restricted to authorized administrators only. The absence of proper authentication mechanisms creates a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain full control over the affected device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's insufficient validation of incoming commands through the RK512 protocol interface. When the device receives commands on TCP port 9000, it fails to verify the authenticity of the sender or validate that the commands originate from an authorized source. This authentication gap allows attackers to craft malicious RK512 commands that, when processed by the device, execute with elevated privileges. The flaw can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such devices often operate in networked configurations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the device's core operational functions, potentially allowing attackers to modify device behavior, access sensitive data, or disrupt industrial processes. This weakness aligns with CWE-306, which specifically addresses missing authentication for critical functions, and demonstrates how inadequate access control can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for industrial control systems and manufacturing environments where SICK FX0-GENT devices are deployed. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can achieve complete remote code execution, potentially leading to unauthorized access to industrial networks, disruption of production processes, or even physical safety hazards if the compromised device controls critical infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network, making it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate. In industrial settings, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate sensor data, alter device configurations, or gain access to broader network segments that the device may be connected to, potentially creating a foothold for further lateral movement within the industrial control network. The risk is compounded by the fact that these devices often operate continuously and may not be regularly updated, leaving them vulnerable for extended periods.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical industrial systems and restrict access to TCP port 9000 to only authorized management systems. The most effective mitigation strategy involves applying the firmware update provided by SICK to address the authentication weakness in the RK512 command processing. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in communications to port 9000, particularly unauthorized command sequences that may indicate exploitation attempts. Access control measures should be implemented at the network level using firewalls to restrict access to the affected port to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices within their industrial control systems that may share similar authentication flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current firmware versions in industrial environments and underscores the need for robust security practices in operational technology systems. This case highlights how industrial devices often lack proper security controls and emphasizes the necessity of following security guidelines from frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 for securing industrial control systems.