CVE-2023-28489 in CP-8031
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in CP-8031 MASTER MODULE (All versions < CPCI85 V05), CP-8050 MASTER MODULE (All versions < CPCI85 V05). Affected devices are vulnerable to command injection via the web server port 443/tcp, if the parameter “Remote Operation” is enabled. The parameter is disabled by default. The vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to perform arbitrary code execution on the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2023
This vulnerability affects critical industrial control systems manufactured by a leading automation company, specifically targeting CP-8031 and CP-8050 master modules operating with firmware versions prior to CPCI85 V05. The affected devices are designed for industrial automation and control applications where security is paramount for operational technology infrastructure. These modules serve as central control units in industrial environments and are typically deployed in scenarios requiring reliable and secure communication between various industrial components.
The technical flaw manifests as a command injection vulnerability within the web server implementation running on port 443/tcp. This vulnerability specifically occurs when the "Remote Operation" parameter is enabled, which represents a dangerous configuration that allows external command execution through web interfaces. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters within the web server's processing logic, creating an attack vector where malicious inputs can be interpreted and executed as system commands. This represents a classic command injection flaw that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-89 categories, where user-controllable data is directly passed to system execution functions without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for industrial environments. An unauthenticated remote attacker can leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution on the affected devices without requiring any credentials or prior access. This allows for complete system compromise, enabling attackers to install backdoors, modify operational parameters, disrupt industrial processes, or escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. The implications extend beyond simple exploitation as the compromised devices could be used as entry points for lateral movement within industrial networks, potentially affecting entire production lines or critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for operational technology environments where network segmentation may be insufficient.
The default disabled state of the "Remote Operation" parameter provides some mitigation but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as administrators may inadvertently enable this feature for operational convenience. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms within industrial control system software. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates to the latest CPCI85 V05 versions, network segmentation to isolate affected devices, and disabling the Remote Operation parameter unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, implementing network access controls using firewalls to restrict access to port 443/tcp and monitoring for suspicious web traffic patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards, which emphasize secure configuration management and regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that industrial environments often lack the robust security monitoring capabilities found in traditional IT environments, making such vulnerabilities more dangerous and harder to detect.