CVE-2023-2186 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published by trellix on June 7, 2023, and it affects the SCADA Data Gateway version 5.01.03 developed by Triangle MicroWorks. The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to exploit format string characters in a specially crafted broadcast message, leading to unrestricted memory reads and potential code execution.

Understanding CVE-2023-2186

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2023-2186 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-2186?

CVE-2023-2186 pertains to a format string vulnerability in Triangle MicroWorks' SCADA Data Gateway version 5.01.03. It enables an unauthorized individual to abuse format string characters in a broadcast message, resulting in memory leaks and potential denial of service attacks. Moreover, authenticated users could exploit this flaw for information disclosure and possibly execute malicious code.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2186

The impact of CVE-2023-2186 is classified as "HIGH" based on its CVSS v3.1 score of 8.2. This vulnerability, categorized under CAPEC-125 – Flooding, poses a significant risk to the availability of systems running the affected SCADA Data Gateway version.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2186

The technical aspects of CVE-2023-2186 outline how this vulnerability manifests in the affected software.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SCADA Data Gateway version 5.01.03 allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit format string characters in broadcast messages, leading to memory read operations, potential denial of service by crashing the GTWWebMonitor.exe process, and memory leakage, which could be abused for executing arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The specific version impacted by CVE-2023-2186 is Triangle MicroWorks' SCADA Data Gateway version 5.01.03. Users of this version are at risk of exploitation by threat actors leveraging the format string vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2186 involves sending a specially crafted broadcast message with format string characters to the SCADA Data Gateway. Unauthenticated attackers can trigger memory read operations, crash processes, leak memory, and potentially achieve code execution, particularly when chained with other exploits.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks posed by CVE-2023-2186, it is crucial to implement effective mitigation measures and adopt preventive practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately applying security patches provided by Triangle MicroWorks that address the format string vulnerability in SCADA Data Gateway version 5.01.03 is essential. Restricting network access and monitoring for any suspicious activities can also help mitigate potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing ongoing security monitoring, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and educating users about social engineering and phishing attacks can enhance the overall cybersecurity posture of an organization. Implementing secure coding practices and staying informed about emerging threats are also crucial for long-term security resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security updates from Triangle MicroWorks and promptly applying patches to address known vulnerabilities is essential. Continuous monitoring of vendor advisories and CVE announcements can help organizations stay proactive in maintaining a secure software environment against potential threats like CVE-2023-2186.