CVE-2023-6409 in EcoStruxure Control Expert
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2024
CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerability exists that could cause unauthorized access to a project file protected with application password when opening the file with EcoStruxure Control Expert.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6409 represents a critical security flaw classified under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials within software applications. This particular weakness manifests in the EcoStruxure Control Expert software environment where developers have embedded authentication credentials directly into the application code rather than implementing dynamic credential management systems. The presence of such hard-coded credentials creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to protected project files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core authentication mechanisms of the software, potentially allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly access sensitive industrial control project files. This type of flaw violates fundamental security principles and represents a common pattern in industrial automation software where convenience often overrides security best practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the embedding of hardcoded usernames, passwords, or encryption keys within the application source code or configuration files. When EcoStruxure Control Expert attempts to open project files that are protected with application passwords, the software relies on these hard-coded credentials rather than prompting for user authentication or utilizing secure credential storage mechanisms. Attackers who can access the application binaries or configuration files can extract these hardcoded credentials through reverse engineering, static code analysis, or by examining the software's memory structures. Once obtained, these credentials can be used to access any project file protected with the same hardcoded password, effectively providing a backdoor into the industrial control environment. The vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the application by creating a universal access point that bypasses normal authentication procedures.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6409 extends significantly beyond traditional information security concerns into the realm of industrial control systems and operational technology security. Organizations using EcoStruxure Control Expert may face unauthorized access to critical industrial control projects, potentially compromising the integrity of operational processes and exposing sensitive process data. The vulnerability could enable attackers to modify control logic, manipulate process parameters, or extract proprietary control algorithms that represent significant intellectual property. In industrial environments where operational continuity is paramount, this vulnerability could lead to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The risk is compounded by the fact that these hardcoded credentials are typically shared across multiple installations, meaning a single credential compromise can affect numerous systems within an organization's industrial control infrastructure. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Credentials in Files" and represents a classic example of how poor credential management can create persistent security weaknesses in industrial automation systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6409 require immediate attention and systematic implementation across affected industrial control environments. Organizations must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all instances of EcoStruxure Control Expert installations that may contain the vulnerable hardcoded credentials. The most effective immediate mitigation involves implementing secure credential management practices including dynamic credential generation, secure credential storage solutions, and regular credential rotation procedures. Software vendors should provide patches that eliminate the hardcoded credentials and implement proper authentication mechanisms that do not rely on embedded secrets. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit lateral movement within industrial control networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to protected project files. Additionally, organizations should implement secure software development lifecycle practices that prevent the inclusion of hardcoded credentials in production code and establish regular security reviews of industrial control applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must also include comprehensive staff training on secure coding practices and the importance of avoiding hardcoded credentials in industrial control system applications.