CVE-2023-27976 in EcoStruxure Control Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 04/18/2023
A CWE-668: Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere vulnerability exists that could cause remote code execution when a valid user visits a malicious link provided through the web endpoints. Affected Products: EcoStruxure Control Expert (V15.1 and above)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-27976 represents a critical security flaw classified under CWE-668, which specifically addresses the exposure of resources to incorrect spheres. This weakness occurs within the EcoStruxure Control Expert software platform at versions 15.1 and higher, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit. The vulnerability manifests through web endpoints that can be manipulated to deliver malicious content to unsuspecting users, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where operational technology systems are increasingly connected to corporate networks. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to redirect resources or services intended for legitimate users to unauthorized parties, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of critical industrial processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper resource access controls within the web interface components of EcoStruxure Control Expert. When a legitimate user navigates to a maliciously crafted link hosted through the web endpoints, the application fails to properly validate or restrict resource access, enabling the execution of arbitrary code on the victim's system. This type of vulnerability typically arises from inadequate input validation, insufficient access control mechanisms, or flawed session management practices within the web framework. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a compromised link, making it susceptible to social engineering campaigns and phishing attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation chain often involves the manipulation of web parameters or URLs that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only, but instead provide access to functionality that can be leveraged for code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, potentially affecting the entire industrial control infrastructure that relies on EcoStruxure Control Expert for system management and configuration. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to critical control systems, potentially leading to disruption of industrial processes, data manipulation, or even physical damage to equipment. The exposure of resources to wrong spheres creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges, move laterally within network environments, and access sensitive operational data that should remain isolated from external threats. Organizations using this software face significant risk of operational technology compromises, especially in environments where the software interfaces with networked systems and where user access controls are not properly enforced. The vulnerability particularly impacts industrial environments where continuous operation is critical, as any compromise could result in production downtime or safety hazards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-27976 should focus on implementing comprehensive access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure of the affected web endpoints. Organizations should immediately apply vendor-provided patches or updates to address the resource exposure issue, while also implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoints. Network-level protections should include restricting access to the web interfaces through perimeter firewalls and implementing strict access controls that ensure only authorized users can access specific resources within the system. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and lateral movement, requiring organizations to strengthen their defensive posture against resource-based attacks. Additionally, security awareness training should be implemented to educate users about recognizing potentially malicious links and understanding the risks associated with visiting untrusted web content. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any additional exposure points that may be related to the same class of vulnerabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar resource misconfigurations that could be exploited in similar industrial control environments.