CVE-2023-25620 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published on April 19, 2023, by Schneider Electric regarding a vulnerability assigned as CVE-2023-25620. The vulnerability affects various products under Schneider Electric, potentially leading to denial of service when a malicious project file is loaded by an authenticated user.

Understanding CVE-2023-25620

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-25620, shedding light on the nature and impact of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-25620?

CVE-2023-25620 is classified under CWE-754, which identifies an "Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions" vulnerability. In this case, a flaw exists that could result in a denial of service scenario on the controller system upon loading a malicious project file by an authenticated user.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25620

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, potentially leading to a denial of service of the affected controller system. As a result, operational disruption and potential security risks may arise, affecting the normal functioning of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25620

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25620, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an improper check for unusual or exceptional conditions within the affected Schneider Electric products. When a malicious project file is loaded onto the controller by an authenticated user, it could trigger a denial of service situation, impacting the system's availability.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Schneider Electric products and versions are known to be affected by CVE-2023-25620:

Modicon M340 CPU (part numbers BMXP34*) prior to SV3.51
Modicon M580 CPU (part numbers BMEP* and BMEH*) prior to V4.10
Modicon M580 CPU Safety (part numbers BMEP58S and BMEH58S) - All
Modicon Momentum Unity M1E Processor (171CBU*) - All
Modicon MC80 (BMKC80) - All
Legacy Modicon Quantum (140CPU65*) - All
Legacy Modicon Premium CPUs (TSXP57*) - All

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves loading a malicious project file onto the affected controller by an authenticated user. This action triggers the improper check for unusual or exceptional conditions, leading to a denial of service situation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25620, proactive measures need to be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply security patches and updates provided by Schneider Electric to address the vulnerability in the affected products.
System administrators should restrict access to critical controller systems and ensure that only trusted users can upload project files.
Regular monitoring and auditing of system activities can help detect any suspicious behavior related to file uploads and system operations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to controller systems.
Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify and address potential weaknesses in the system.
Educate users and administrators about safe file handling practices and the importance of cybersecurity protocols in industrial environments.

Patching and Updates

For comprehensive protection against CVE-2023-25620, it is crucial to apply the latest security patches and updates released by Schneider Electric for the affected products. Regularly checking for firmware updates and security advisories can help in staying ahead of potential threats and vulnerabilities.