CVE-2023-37863 in WP 6xxx
Summary
by MITRE • 08/09/2023
In PHOENIX CONTACTs WP 6xxx series web panels in versions prior to 4.0.10 a remote attacker with SNMPv2 write privileges may use an a special SNMP request to gain full access to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37863 affects PHOENIX CONTACT's WP 6xxx series web panels, specifically those operating with firmware versions prior to 4.0.10. This issue represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers with SNMPv2 write privileges to escalate their access rights and achieve full device control. The affected devices are industrial web panels commonly used in manufacturing and automation environments where secure remote access is essential for operational continuity. These panels typically serve as human-machine interfaces for industrial control systems and require robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the SNMP implementation of these web panels. When an attacker with SNMPv2 write privileges sends a specially crafted SNMP request, the system fails to properly validate the request parameters and authenticate the privilege level required for the requested operations. This vulnerability manifests as a lack of proper authorization checks that should prevent a user with write privileges from performing administrative functions that require higher-level access. The flaw essentially allows privilege escalation through manipulation of SNMP communication protocols, where standard write privileges are insufficient to perform administrative actions but the system incorrectly permits such operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for industrial environments. A successful exploitation could allow an attacker to completely compromise the web panel, enabling them to modify system configurations, access sensitive operational data, disrupt industrial processes, or establish persistent access points for further attacks. The vulnerability affects devices that are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments where these web panels serve as gateways to industrial control systems, making the potential impact much broader than a simple device compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only SNMPv2 write privileges, which are often enabled by default in industrial environments and may not be properly secured or monitored.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates to version 4.0.10 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to address the SNMP access control flaw. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical industrial control systems, and SNMP services should be restricted to authorized networks only. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for unusual SNMP traffic patterns and ensure that SNMPv2 is deprecated in favor of SNMPv3 which provides stronger authentication and encryption. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers might leverage compromised credentials to gain initial access before exploiting this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other devices that might be vulnerable to similar SNMP-related issues and implement proper network access controls to prevent lateral movement within industrial networks.