CVE-2023-23588 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on April 11, 2023, and identifies a vulnerability in various Siemens SIMATIC IPC devices. The vulnerability allows a local attacker to decrypt intercepted local traffic between the browser and the application, potentially leading to a man-in-the-middle attack to modify data in transit.

Understanding CVE-2023-23588

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-23588, including its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-23588?

CVE-2023-23588 pertains to a non-unique TLS certificate used by the Adaptec Maxview application on certain Siemens SIMATIC IPC devices. The lack of uniqueness in the certificate exposes communication from the local browser to the local application, facilitating potential decryption by a local attacker.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23588

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables a malicious actor to intercept and modify local traffic between the browser and the application. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and data manipulation in transit.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23588

Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-23588 is crucial in comprehending the nature of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the utilization of a non-unique TLS certificate by the Adaptec Maxview application on affected Siemens SIMATIC IPC devices. This oversight allows a local attacker to decrypt intercepted local traffic, posing a serious security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Siemens SIMATIC IPC devices impacted by CVE-2023-23588 include SIMATIC IPC1047, SIMATIC IPC1047E, SIMATIC IPC647D, SIMATIC IPC647E, SIMATIC IPC847D, and SIMATIC IPC847E. The affected versions of these products have specific criteria related to the Maxview Storage Manager below version 4.09.00.25611 running on Windows.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability in question can be exploited by a local attacker who gains access to the non-unique TLS certificate utilized by the Adaptec Maxview application. This access enables the attacker to decrypt and manipulate local traffic, potentially leading to a man-in-the-middle attack scenario.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-23588 requires a comprehensive approach to mitigate the risks posed by the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Adaptec Maxview application to a version that resolves the non-unique TLS certificate issue.
Implement network monitoring to detect any attempts at intercepting local traffic.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software and applications on Siemens SIMATIC IPC devices to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the local network environment.

Patching and Updates

Siemens may release patches or updates to address CVE-2023-23588 and enhance the security posture of affected SIMATIC IPC devices. Stay informed about official security advisories and apply recommended patches promptly to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.