CVE-2023-22339 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on January 20, 2023, by JPCERT. It involves an improper access control vulnerability in CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) Ver.3.4.5 and earlier, which could allow a remote attacker to bypass access restrictions and obtain sensitive server certificates, including the private key.

Understanding CVE-2023-22339

This section will provide insights into CVE-2023-22339, detailing what it is about and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-22339?

CVE-2023-22339 is an improper access control vulnerability found in CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) Ver.3.4.5 and earlier. It enables remote unauthorized attackers to evade access restrictions and acquire the server certificate, including the private key of the product.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22339

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as attackers can potentially compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system's sensitive data, leading to unauthorized access and potential misuse of the acquired server certificates.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22339

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22339, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) Ver.3.4.5 and earlier is due to improper access control mechanisms, allowing remote unauthenticated attackers to circumvent access restrictions and retrieve sensitive server certificates, including private keys.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected vendor is Contec Co., Ltd., and the impacted product is CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) Ver.3.4.5 and earlier. These versions are confirmed to be vulnerable to the improper access control issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely without authentication, leveraging the lack of proper access controls to retrieve the server certificate and private key, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-22339 and enhance system security, immediate steps should be taken along with implementing long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately restrict unauthorized access to the affected systems, conduct a thorough security review, and monitor for any suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access control measures, regularly update and patch system components, monitor for security advisories related to the product, and conduct periodic security assessments to ensure overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Ensure to apply the recommended patches and updates provided by the vendor Contec Co., Ltd. for CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) to address the improper access control vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by threat actors.