CVE-2023-25551 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-25551 was published on April 18, 2023, and affects Schneider Electric's product, StruxureWare Data Center Expert. It involves a CWE-79 vulnerability related to improper neutralization of input during web page generation (cross-site scripting) on a DCE file upload endpoint when tampering with parameters over HTTP.

Understanding CVE-2023-25551

This CVE pertains to a specific vulnerability in StruxureWare Data Center Expert that could potentially lead to cross-site scripting attacks if exploited by malicious actors.

What is CVE-2023-25551?

The CVE-2023-25551 vulnerability involves improper neutralization of input during web page generation (cross-site scripting) on a DCE file upload endpoint when manipulating parameters over HTTP. The affected product version is StruxureWare Data Center Expert V7.9.2 and earlier.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25551

This vulnerability has a base severity rating of MEDIUM (CVSS base score of 6.1) and could result in high confidentiality and integrity impact if successfully exploited. It requires high privileges and user interaction for an attack to occur.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25551

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in StruxureWare Data Center Expert allows for cross-site scripting attacks when manipulating parameters on the DCE file upload endpoint over HTTP.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects StruxureWare Data Center Expert versions up to V7.9.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves tampering with parameters on the DCE file upload endpoint over HTTP, enabling attackers to conduct cross-site scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25551, certain steps can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using the affected versions of StruxureWare Data Center Expert should apply security patches or updates provided by Schneider Electric promptly.
Implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security protocols to address emerging vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security assessments and testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses in the system.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected StruxureWare Data Center Expert installations are updated to versions where this vulnerability is patched. Schneider Electric typically releases security advisories and updates to address such issues.

By following these mitigation strategies and staying proactive in maintaining the security of the systems, organizations can reduce the risk posed by CVE-2023-25551 and similar vulnerabilities in the future.