CVE-2023-37861 in WP 6xxx
Summary
by MITRE • 08/09/2023
In PHOENIX CONTACTs WP 6xxx series web panels in versions prior to 4.0.10 an authenticated remote attacker can execute code with root permissions with a specially crafted HTTP POST when uploading a certificate to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37861 affects PHOENIX CONTACT's WP 6xxx series web panels, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated remote code execution with root privileges. This vulnerability exists in firmware versions prior to 4.0.10 and specifically targets the certificate upload functionality through HTTP POST requests. The flaw demonstrates a classic command injection vulnerability where maliciously crafted input during the certificate upload process can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the highest possible system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the certificate upload handler of the web panel's firmware. When an authenticated user attempts to upload a certificate, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the uploaded data before processing it within the system's command execution pipeline. This weakness creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as command parameters, allowing for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the web panel's legitimate administrative functionality to bypass normal security boundaries, making it particularly dangerous as it requires only authentication credentials rather than physical access or advanced exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected devices. With root-level access, adversaries can modify system configurations, install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised devices as launch points for lateral movement within industrial networks. The WP 6xxx series web panels are commonly deployed in industrial environments where they serve as critical interface points between operators and control systems, making the compromise of these devices potentially catastrophic for operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these devices from outside the network perimeter, significantly expanding the potential attack surface.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including mandatory firmware updates to version 4.0.10 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these devices to only authorized personnel, and multi-factor authentication should be enforced for all administrative access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-78 categories related to command injection, and maps to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for valid accounts for initial access. Regular security assessments and monitoring of administrative access logs should be conducted to detect potential exploitation attempts, while network traffic analysis can help identify suspicious certificate upload patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.