CVE-2023-25178 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-25178 was published on July 13, 2023, by Honeywell. It involves a critical vulnerability in Honeywell's Experion PKS C300 controllers that could lead to remote code execution due to loading of malicious firmware.

Understanding CVE-2023-25178

This vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25178 impacts Honeywell's Experion PKS C300 controllers due to a design flaw that allows loading of unsigned firmware.

What is CVE-2023-25178?

CVE-2023-25178 involves a vulnerability where the controller may be loaded with malicious firmware, potentially enabling remote code execution. This presents a serious security risk as attackers could exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access and control over the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25178

The impact of CVE-2023-25178 is categorized as critical, with a high severity rating. The vulnerability could lead to altered component firmware according to CAPEC-638, increasing the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential disruption of operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25178

This section provides further technical insights into the vulnerability affecting Experion PKS C300 controllers.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows the loading of unsigned firmware on the controllers, leading to potential remote code execution. Attackers could exploit this flaw to manipulate the controller's operations and compromise the system's security.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE-2023-25178 vulnerability impacts Honeywell's Experion PKS C300 controllers across multiple versions, including 501.1, 510.1, 511.1, 520.1, and 520.2, with specific build limitations for each affected version.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves injecting malicious firmware into the controller, which can be leveraged by threat actors to execute unauthorized commands and compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25178 and enhance the security of affected systems, immediate steps and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure firmware updates are obtained only from trusted sources.
Implement access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized firmware loading.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to firmware modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update firmware to the latest secure versions to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses in the system.
Train personnel on secure practices for firmware management and system maintenance.

Patching and Updates

Honeywell should release patches addressing the vulnerability, along with detailed instructions on how to apply them. Users are advised to apply these patches promptly to safeguard their systems against potential exploits related to CVE-2023-25178.