CVE-2023-32615 in OAS Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 09/05/2023
A file write vulnerability exists in the OAS Engine configuration functionality of Open Automation Software OAS Platform v18.00.0072. A specially crafted series of network requests can lead to arbitrary file creation or overwrite. An attacker can send a sequence of requests to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-32615 represents a critical file write flaw within the Open Automation Software OAS Platform version 18.00.0072. This issue resides in the OAS Engine configuration functionality, which serves as a core component for managing system parameters and operational settings. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the configuration handling module, creating a path for malicious actors to manipulate the system's file structure through network-based attacks. The affected platform operates within industrial automation environments where configuration integrity is paramount for operational safety and security.
This file write vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts and submits a series of specifically formatted network requests to the affected system. The flaw allows for arbitrary file creation or overwrite operations, which can be leveraged to modify critical system files, inject malicious code, or disrupt normal operational procedures. The attack vector requires network access to the vulnerable system and does not necessitate authentication for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is inadequate. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file manipulation as it can potentially enable privilege escalation or persistent access to the affected automation platform.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for industrial control systems and automation environments that rely on Open Automation Software platforms. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain the ability to modify configuration files that govern system behavior, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could allow attackers to maintain long-term access to the system while remaining undetected. Given that the OAS Platform is designed for industrial automation, the exploitation could result in cascading failures across connected systems, affecting production processes and operational continuity.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network requests, and mandatory patching of the affected software version. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) categories, indicating weaknesses in path validation and external entity handling within the software architecture. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1566 (Phishing) techniques, as attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within the automation environment. Organizations should also conduct thorough network monitoring to detect anomalous request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts and implement strict access controls to limit who can interact with the affected configuration functionality.