CVE-2024-3467 in PI Asset Framework Client
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2024
There is a vulnerability in AVEVA PI Asset Framework Client that could allow malicious code to execute on the PI System Explorer environment under the privileges of an interactive user that was socially engineered to import XML supplied by an attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3467 resides within the AVEVA PI Asset Framework Client, a critical component of the PI System Explorer environment used extensively in industrial automation and control systems. This weakness represents a significant security risk as it enables arbitrary code execution through a carefully crafted XML import mechanism that exploits user trust and social engineering tactics. The vulnerability specifically targets the client-side processing of XML data within the PI Asset Framework, creating an attack vector that leverages both technical and human factors to compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient validation and sanitization of XML input within the PI Asset Framework Client application. When an interactive user imports XML content that has been maliciously crafted by an attacker, the client fails to properly validate the structure and content of the imported data. This inadequate input handling allows malicious payloads embedded within the XML to execute with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, effectively bypassing traditional security boundaries. The vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers execution of arbitrary code, making it a critical weakness in the software's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more extensive system compromise within industrial environments. Since the attack requires user interaction through social engineering, it represents a sophisticated approach that combines technical exploitation with human psychology, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where users may be less security-aware. The privilege escalation aspect means that attackers can potentially access sensitive industrial data, modify critical system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the PI System Explorer environment. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for privilege escalation, and T1566, which covers social engineering tactics.
Organizations utilizing AVEVA PI Asset Framework Client must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most effective approach involves disabling or restricting XML import functionality until vendor patches are applied, combined with user education programs to recognize and avoid suspicious import requests. Network segmentation and privilege management controls should be enhanced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security assessments of XML processing components can help detect and prevent unauthorized code execution attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in industrial control systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security measures that address both technical and human factors in industrial cybersecurity defense strategies.