CVE-2020-8479 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2020-8479 is an XML External Entity Injection vulnerability affecting the Central Licensing Server component used in various ABB products.

Understanding CVE-2020-8479

What is CVE-2020-8479?

This vulnerability allows an attacker to read or call arbitrary files from the license server and/or the network, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data leakage.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8479

The vulnerability poses a critical threat with a CVSS base score of 9.4, indicating a high risk of confidentiality and integrity breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8479

Vulnerability Description

The XML External Entity Injection vulnerability in the Central Licensing System component of ABB products enables attackers to access sensitive files and disrupt license handling.

Affected Systems and Versions

ABB Ability System 800xA versions 5.1, 6.0, and 6.1
Compact HMI versions 5.1 and 6.0
Control Builder Safe versions 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0
Symphony Plus S+ Operations versions 3.0 to 3.2
Symphony Plus S+ Engineering versions 1.1 to 2.2
And more listed in the descriptions

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate XML input to access unauthorized data, potentially leading to information disclosure and service disruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly
Implement network segmentation to limit access to critical systems
Monitor and restrict external XML entity references

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits
Educate staff on secure coding practices and XML security
Employ intrusion detection systems to detect malicious XML input

Patching and Updates

Ensure all affected ABB products are updated with the latest patches to mitigate the XML External Entity Injection vulnerability.