CVE-2023-1424 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An overview of a Denial-of-Service and Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-F Series and MELSEC iQ-R Series CPU modules.

Understanding CVE-2023-1424

This CVE outlines a critical Buffer Overflow vulnerability in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's MELSEC iQ-F Series and MELSEC iQ-R Series CPU modules which could potentially lead to Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks and remote code execution by an unauthorized attacker.

What is CVE-2023-1424?

The vulnerability identified in CVE-2023-1424 is a Buffer Overflow flaw in Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's CPU modules. It allows remote attackers to send specially crafted packets to trigger a system reset for Denial-of-Service (DoS) conditions and potentially execute malicious code on the affected target systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1424

The impact of this vulnerability includes the risk of causing a Denial-of-Service condition and enabling remote code execution on the affected Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-F and iQ-R Series CPU modules. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as critical due to the high availability, confidentiality, and integrity impact it poses.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1424

An in-depth look at the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input, also known as a 'Classic Buffer Overflow' scenario. Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely to either disrupt the service or execute arbitrary code on the targeted devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted products include various models from the MELSEC iQ-F Series and iQ-R Series CPU modules manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Specifically, versions ranging from 1.220 to 1.281 may be vulnerable if they have a serial number of 17X**** or later.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially crafted packets to the affected Mitsubishi Electric Corporation CPU modules, remote unauthenticated attackers can exploit the vulnerability, leading to potential Denial-of-Service (DoS) impacts and unauthorized code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Key strategies to mitigate the CVE-2023-1424 vulnerability and enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches provided by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation promptly.
Implement network firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor and block suspicious network traffic.
Ensure that systems are regularly monitored for any unusual activities or potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Establish robust access controls and network segmentation to limit the attack surface.
Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices and awareness to prevent social engineering attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and advisories released by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation for the MELSEC iQ-F and iQ-R Series CPU modules. Timely patching is crucial to address vulnerabilities and protect systems from exploitation.