CVE-2023-1109 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-1109 was assigned by CERTVDE and published on April 17, 2023. It pertains to a Directory Traversal Vulnerability in the ENERGY AXC PU Web service by PHOENIX CONTACT. The vulnerability allows an authenticated restricted user to access, read, write, and create files throughout the file system via specially crafted URLs in the upload and download functionality, potentially leading to full control of the service.

Understanding CVE-2023-1109

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-1109, shedding light on its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-1109?

The vulnerability in the ENERGY AXC PU Web service of PHOENIX CONTACT permits an authenticated restricted user to manipulate URLs to access, read, write, and create files across the file system. This could result in gaining full control over the service, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1109

The impact of CVE-2023-1109 is substantial, with the potential for a malicious actor to exploit the directory traversal vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive files and potentially take over the affected service. This could lead to severe consequences for the organization utilizing the vulnerable PHOENIX CONTACT devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1109

In this section, we explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-1109.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated restricted user of the ENERGY AXC PU Web service to manipulate URLs, enabling unauthorized access to files on the file system. This could lead to unauthorized data read, write, and file creation, ultimately resulting in full control over the service.

Affected Systems and Versions

The ENERGY AXC PU Web service versions V01.00.00.00 up to V04.15.00.00 by PHOENIX CONTACT are impacted by this vulnerability. Devices such as Infobox (1169323) are specifically affected, creating a potential security threat for organizations using these products.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves an authenticated restricted user crafting specific URLs within the upload and download functionalities of the web service. By leveraging these specially crafted URLs, the attacker can traverse directories and manipulate files throughout the file system, gaining extensive control over the service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-1109 requires immediate action and the adoption of robust security practices to safeguard against potential exploits and unauthorized access.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches provided by PHOENIX CONTACT promptly to address the vulnerability in the ENERGY AXC PU Web service. Additionally, restricting access to the web service and monitoring for any suspicious activities can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, regular security audits, and training users on secure practices can enhance the overall security posture of the organization. By prioritizing security awareness and proactive measures, the likelihood of falling victim to similar vulnerabilities can be significantly reduced.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and patches released by PHOENIX CONTACT is essential to ensure that the ENERGY AXC PU Web service remains secure and protected against potential threats. By staying proactive in applying patches and updates, organizations can strengthen their defenses against emerging vulnerabilities and cyber threats.