CVE-2023-3379 in Compact Controller 100
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2023
Wago web-based management of multiple products has a vulnerability which allows an local authenticated attacker to change the passwords of other non-admin users and thus to escalate non-root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3379 affects Wago web-based management systems across multiple product lines, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines the security posture of industrial control systems. This vulnerability resides within the authentication and authorization mechanisms of Wago's web interface, specifically targeting the password management functionality that governs user account modifications. The flaw enables local authenticated attackers to manipulate user credentials of non-administrator accounts, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege elevation without requiring administrative credentials or root access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple credential theft as it fundamentally compromises the principle of least privilege that is essential for industrial security frameworks.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control checks within the web management interface's user management module. When authenticated users attempt to modify passwords for other accounts, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary authorization level to perform such operations. This weakness creates a direct attack vector where malicious actors can exploit the lack of proper authorization enforcement to change credentials of accounts with different privilege levels. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires only local network access combined with valid user credentials to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical or network access may be compromised. This flaw aligns with CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a classic example of insufficient authorization checks that allow privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3379 is significant for organizations utilizing Wago industrial control systems, as it creates opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can effectively assume the identity of other users within the system, potentially accessing sensitive operational data, modifying system configurations, or disrupting industrial processes. The vulnerability's ability to enable privilege escalation without requiring root access makes it particularly concerning for industrial environments where system integrity and operational continuity are paramount. Security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 specifically emphasize the importance of proper access control mechanisms in industrial control systems, making this vulnerability a direct violation of established security standards. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple Wago product lines, suggesting a systemic flaw in the company's development and security review processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3379 should prioritize immediate patch application from Wago, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this specific flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Wago management interfaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach these systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict user access controls, regularly auditing user account modifications, and monitoring for unauthorized credential changes within the system logs. Security teams should consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious authentication patterns and anomalous user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing of industrial control systems, particularly focusing on authentication and authorization mechanisms. Organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and remediation of similar vulnerabilities, as this flaw represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks targeting critical infrastructure operations.