CVE-2023-28399 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-28399 refers to an incorrect permission assignment vulnerability present in the CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) versions prior to 3.5.3. This vulnerability allows a user on the host PC where the affected product is installed to have wide-ranging privileges due to inappropriate ACL (Access Control List) settings on the local folder, potentially leading to system destruction or the execution of malicious programs.

Understanding CVE-2023-28399

This section provides an overview of what CVE-2023-28399 entails, including its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-28399?

CVE-2023-28399 highlights the existence of incorrect permission assignments for critical resources within the CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) software versions earlier than 3.5.3. Due to this misconfiguration, users with access to the PC where the affected product is installed may exploit the vulnerability to gain unauthorized privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28399

The impact of CVE-2023-28399 can be severe, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise the affected system by leveraging the excessive privileges granted to unauthorized users. This could result in system damage or the execution of malicious activities, posing a significant risk to the integrity and security of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28399

In this section, we delve into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) versions prior to 3.5.3 stems from the incorrect assignment of permissions for critical resources. This oversight leads to a scenario where users can exploit the lack of proper Access Control List (ACL) configurations on the local folder, granting them unauthorized privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted product is the CONPROSYS HMI System (CHS) developed by Contec Co., Ltd. The vulnerability affects versions of the software that are released before version 3.5.3.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the lack of appropriate Access Control List (ACL) settings in the local folder where the CONPROSYS HMI System is installed to gain elevated privileges. By exploiting this misconfiguration, unauthorized users can potentially inflict harm on the system or execute malicious code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28399, immediate steps should be taken to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation. Long-term security practices and timely patching are crucial to safeguard the affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that proper ACL settings are configured on the local folder where the CONPROSYS HMI System is installed. Restrict access to critical resources and implement the principle of least privilege to limit user permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establish a robust security posture by regularly conducting security assessments, implementing secure coding practices, and staying informed about software vulnerabilities and updates. Train employees on security best practices to mitigate future risks.

Patching and Updates

Contec Co., Ltd. has released version 3.5.3 of the CONPROSYS HMI System to address the vulnerability. It is essential to apply the latest patches and updates provided by the vendor to secure the system against potential threats associated with CVE-2023-28399.