CVE-2023-3669 in Development System
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2023
A missing Brute-Force protection in CODESYS Development System prior to 3.5.19.20 allows a local attacker to have unlimited attempts of guessing the password within an import dialog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3669 represents a critical security flaw in the CODESYS Development System software, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.5.19.20. This issue manifests as a complete absence of brute-force protection mechanisms within the software's import dialog functionality, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability is classified as a missing security control that directly impacts authentication mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where unauthorized access could lead to system compromise or data breaches.
The technical flaw resides in the import dialog component of the CODESYS Development System, where the software fails to implement any form of rate limiting, account lockout mechanisms, or failed attempt tracking. This allows an attacker to repeatedly attempt password guessing without any restrictions or delays, effectively enabling unlimited login attempts against the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during the import process, which is a common operation in development environments where users frequently interact with the system. This weakness directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing weak authentication controls that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it creates an environment where local attackers can systematically work to discover valid passwords through automated means. The lack of brute-force protection means that attackers can utilize dictionary attacks, rainbow table lookups, or simple trial-and-error approaches to gain access to the development system. This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized code modifications, data manipulation, or complete system compromise if the development environment contains sensitive information or has elevated privileges. The attack surface is particularly broad since the import dialog is a frequently used feature in development workflows, increasing the probability of exploitation.
Organizations utilizing CODESYS Development System versions prior to 3.5.19.20 should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched version, implementing network segmentation to limit local access, and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts. The mitigation strategy should also include disabling unnecessary import functionality when not required, implementing additional authentication layers, and conducting regular security assessments of development environments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 (Password Guessing) and CWE-307 (Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts), emphasizing the need for proper authentication controls and rate limiting mechanisms. The remediation process should involve thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that the brute-force protection mechanisms are properly implemented and functioning as intended, while also reviewing other authentication points within the system for similar vulnerabilities.