CVE-2023-2638 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-2638 concerns a vulnerability in Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk System Services that could potentially lead to a denial-of-service attack. The CVE was published on June 13, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-2638

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-2638 vulnerability in Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk System Services.

What is CVE-2023-2638?

Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk System Services does not verify that a backup configuration archive is password protected. Improper authorization in FTSSBackupRestore.exe may lead to the loading of malicious configuration archives. This vulnerability may enable a local, authenticated non-admin user to create a malicious backup archive without password protection, which can be loaded as a valid backup during a restore process. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2638

The impact of CVE-2023-2638 is categorized under CAPEC-115, which refers to an Authentication Bypass vulnerability. The CVSS v3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 5.9, with a base severity of MEDIUM. The attack complexity is rated as LOW, with an attack vector of LOCAL, high availability impact, and low privileges required. User interaction is deemed necessary for successful exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2638

This section provides an insight into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2638.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk System Services arises from the lack of verification for password protection in backup configuration archives, potentially leading to the loading of malicious archives due to improper authorization.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects FactoryTalk System Services versions up to and including 6.20.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, a local, authenticated non-admin user must craft a malicious backup archive without password protection, which is then loaded by FactoryTalk System Services during a restore procedure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-2638 is crucial to safeguard systems against potential threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of the affected software are advised to apply risk mitigation measures promptly. It is recommended to upgrade to version 6.30.00 or later, as these versions have been patched to address the identified issues.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regular security audits, user access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized activities, can enhance overall system security and resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Rockwell Automation is essential to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen the security posture of FactoryTalk System Services.