CVE-2023-3670 in Development System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2023
In CODESYS Development System 3.5.9.0 to 3.5.17.0 and CODESYS Scripting 4.0.0.0 to 4.1.0.0 unsafe directory permissions would allow an attacker with local access to the workstation to place potentially harmful and disguised scripts that could be executed by legitimate users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3670 affects CODESYS Development System versions 3.5.9.0 through 3.5.17.0 and CODESYS Scripting versions 4.0.0.0 through 4.1.0.0, representing a critical security flaw in industrial automation software development environments. This issue stems from improper directory permission configurations that create exploitable conditions within the software ecosystem. The vulnerability specifically targets local system access scenarios where attackers can manipulate file permissions and directory structures to execute malicious code. The affected systems are commonly used in industrial control systems and embedded automation environments where code integrity and execution security are paramount for operational continuity and safety.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient permission controls implemented within the CODESYS development environment's directory management system. When the software creates or manages directories for script storage and execution, it fails to properly enforce restrictive access controls that would prevent unauthorized modifications to these critical locations. This flaw allows local attackers to modify directory permissions and inject malicious scripts that appear legitimate to the system. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-732 principle of Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, where critical system directories receive inadequate access restrictions that enable privilege escalation through file system manipulation. The affected software environment does not properly validate or enforce proper access controls during script execution phases, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be seamlessly integrated into the legitimate execution paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model within industrial automation development environments. Local attackers with minimal privileges can potentially elevate their access level by placing malicious scripts that will execute with the privileges of legitimate users who interact with the development system. This creates a significant risk in operational technology environments where developers and engineers may have elevated system privileges for their work. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple developers collaborate on automation projects, as any compromised user account could potentially serve as a vector for broader system infiltration. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access points, deploy backdoors, or execute data exfiltration operations that would be difficult to detect within normal system monitoring parameters. The risk is compounded in industrial settings where system integrity is crucial for safety and operational reliability, as malicious code execution could potentially affect production systems or cause operational disruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3670 should focus on immediate permission adjustments and comprehensive system hardening measures. Organizations must implement proper directory permission controls that restrict write access to development directories and enforce strict access control lists that prevent unauthorized modifications. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches provided by CODESYS, which address the specific permission handling flaws in the affected versions. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions that track directory permission changes and file modifications in real-time, particularly focusing on script-related directories. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege models where developers only receive necessary access rights for their specific development tasks. The mitigation process should include regular security audits of directory permissions, implementation of file integrity monitoring systems, and establishment of secure development practices that prevent local privilege escalation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation, and the mitigation strategies should incorporate defensive measures against such attack vectors in industrial control system environments.