CVE-2023-49716 in Rosemount GC370XA
Summary
by MITRE • 02/09/2024
In Emerson Rosemount GC370XA, GC700XA, and GC1500XA products, an authenticated user with network access could run arbitrary commands from a remote computer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2024
The CVE-2023-49716 vulnerability affects Emerson Rosemount GC370XA, GC700XA, and GC1500XA gas chromatograph products, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that undermines the security posture of industrial control systems. These devices are widely deployed in process industries for gas analysis and monitoring applications, making them attractive targets for sophisticated cyber attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the network communication protocols of these industrial devices, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands remotely. This flaw fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of critical industrial processes that rely on these measurement instruments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a command injection flaw that occurs when the affected devices process network requests from authenticated users. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious network packets that bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's ability to properly validate and sanitize input data received over network connections, allowing attackers to inject and execute unauthorized commands. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, which address command injection and code injection vulnerabilities respectively, both of which are classified as high-risk issues in industrial control systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and escalate privileges within industrial networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-49716 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate critical process data, disrupt production operations, or even cause physical damage to industrial facilities. These gas chromatograph devices are integral to process control systems where accurate measurement data directly influences operational decisions and safety parameters. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could alter gas composition readings, modify calibration parameters, or execute malicious code that compromises the entire industrial control network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making detection and prevention more challenging. This vulnerability particularly affects the integrity and availability aspects of the CIA triad, potentially leading to process failures, safety incidents, or unauthorized data manipulation in critical infrastructure environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should implement strict network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized network connections to these devices. The recommended remediation includes applying manufacturer-provided security patches and firmware updates as soon as they become available, along with implementing network access controls that restrict communication to only authorized systems. Additional protective measures should include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and establishing regular security assessments of industrial control systems. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting industrial control system vulnerabilities, as these devices often operate in environments with limited network visibility and traditional security controls may be insufficient to detect sophisticated attacks.