CVE-2023-25556 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on April 18, 2023, by Schneider Electric. It pertains to an improper authentication vulnerability in various products within the Merten INSTABUS and KNX range that could potentially compromise device security under specific conditions.

Understanding CVE-2023-25556

This vulnerability, identified by CVE-2023-25556, highlights a critical security issue in Schneider Electric's Merten INSTABUS and KNX product lines. The vulnerability allows attackers to compromise devices by exploiting inadequate authentication mechanisms.

What is CVE-2023-25556?

The vulnerability identified by CVE-2023-25556 is categorized under CWE-287 as an Improper Authentication flaw. In this scenario, an attacker who has access to the KNX installation can compromise a device by entering a key with less than seven digits.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25556

The CVSS v3.1 base score for CVE-2023-25556 is 8.3, indicating a high severity level. The vulnerability has a low impact on confidentiality but high impact on availability and integrity, making it crucial to address promptly to prevent potential security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25556

The vulnerability description outlines the issue of improper authentication that could lead to device compromise. Several Schneider Electric products, such as Merten INSTABUS and KNX devices, are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an improper authentication mechanism that allows attackers to compromise devices by using a key with less than seven digits, provided they have access to the KNX installation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Various Schneider Electric products, including Merten INSTABUS Tastermodul, Tasterschnittstelle, KNX ARGUS, Jalousie/Schaltaktor, KNX Uni-Dimmaktor, and KNX Schaltaktor, are impacted by this vulnerability across different program versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to the KNX installation can exploit the vulnerability by entering a key of fewer than seven digits, potentially compromising the affected devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-25556 promptly is crucial to enhance the security of affected Schneider Electric devices. Implementing the following measures can help mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to the latest firmware version that includes patches to fix the authentication issue.
Restrict access to the KNX installation to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and apply patches promptly.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Schneider Electric has released security updates to address the improper authentication vulnerability in the affected products. Users are advised to download and apply the necessary patches to ensure the security of their devices.