CVE-2023-29169 in myPRO
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2023
mySCADA myPRO versions 8.26.0 and prior has parameters which an authenticated user could exploit to inject arbitrary operating system commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-29169 affects mySCADA myPRO versions 8.26.0 and earlier, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables authenticated users to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the affected system. This vulnerability resides within the parameter handling mechanisms of the mySCADA myPRO software, which is commonly deployed in industrial control systems and supervisory control environments where security is paramount. The flaw allows an attacker with valid credentials to manipulate input parameters in such a way that malicious commands are interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system, potentially compromising the entire control infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter processing logic. When authenticated users submit data through various interface elements, the system fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters or operators. This weakness creates a direct pathway for command injection attacks where attackers can append operating system commands to legitimate parameter values, effectively bypassing normal access controls and executing unauthorized operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications, and represents a significant deviation from secure coding practices that mandate proper input sanitization and parameter validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain complete control over the affected system and potentially compromise the broader industrial control network. An authenticated attacker could leverage this flaw to execute system commands such as file manipulation, process termination, network scanning, or even establish persistence mechanisms within the control environment. In industrial settings where mySCADA myPRO is deployed for critical infrastructure monitoring, this vulnerability could lead to operational disruption, data integrity compromise, or even safety system manipulation that could result in physical damage or environmental hazards. The attack vector is particularly concerning given that it only requires authentication, meaning that insiders or compromised accounts could exploit this weakness without requiring additional privileged access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-29169 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the command injection vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to critical control systems and deploy robust monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting user accounts to only the minimum necessary permissions required for their operational functions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional defense layers against similar injection attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following industry standards such as those defined in the ATT&CK framework under the command and control category, where attackers can establish persistence and escalate privileges through system-level command execution. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited through various attack vectors including those related to unvalidated inputs and insufficient access controls.