CVE-2023-3573 in WP 6xxx
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2023
In PHOENIX CONTACTs WP 6xxx series web panels in versions prior to 4.0.10 a remote attacker with low privileges may use a command injection in a HTTP POST request releated to font configuration operations to gain full access to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3573 affects PHOENIX CONTACT's WP 6xxx series web panels, representing a critical command injection flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers with minimal privileges. This vulnerability specifically manifests within the font configuration operations of these industrial control devices, which are commonly deployed in manufacturing environments and industrial automation systems where security is paramount. The affected versions prior to 4.0.10 demonstrate a significant oversight in input validation and sanitization mechanisms, creating an exploitable entry point that could compromise entire industrial control networks.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within HTTP POST requests related to font configuration parameters. When a remote attacker submits malicious input through these configuration operations, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the received data before processing it as part of system commands. This lack of input validation creates a classic command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled commands can be executed with the privileges of the affected web application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows an attacker with low privileges to escalate their access level and gain full control over the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise to threaten entire industrial control systems. Industrial environments rely heavily on web panels for human-machine interfaces and system monitoring, making these devices attractive targets for attackers seeking to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. The ability to execute arbitrary commands remotely means an attacker could potentially modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or even cause physical damage to industrial processes. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' and 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' techniques, representing a significant threat to operational technology environments.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating affected devices to version 4.0.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious HTTP POST requests related to font configuration operations. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses command injection flaws that occur when user-supplied data is improperly handled during command execution. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar weaknesses in other components and implement robust input validation mechanisms across all web-facing interfaces to prevent future exploitation attempts.