CVE-2023-2846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-2846 involves an Authentication Bypass Vulnerability found in the main modules of the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation MELSEC iQ-F Series, which could potentially allow a malicious remote attacker to bypass authentication and access affected products by sending specially crafted packets.

Understanding CVE-2023-2846

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-2846, its impact, technical description, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-2846?

The vulnerability is categorized as an Authentication Bypass by Capture-replay vulnerability, enabling an unauthorized remote attacker to circumvent password/keyword settings and gain entry to the impacted products.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2846

The main impact of this vulnerability is the Authentication Bypass, which poses a significant security risk as it allows unauthorized access to the affected products.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2846

In this section, we will discuss the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2846, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an Authentication Bypass by Capture-replay method, which allows remote attackers to bypass security measures and access the MELSEC iQ-F Series main modules.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects various products in the MELSEC-F Series, such as FX3U-16MR/ES, FX3U-32MR/ES, FX3U-48MT/ESS, and many more, with all versions being susceptible.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially crafted packets, remote unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cancel password/keyword settings and gain unauthorized access to the affected products.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2846, including immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement access controls and network segmentation to restrict unauthorized access.
Apply the latest security patches and updates provided by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities and anomalies.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all systems to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address potential security gaps.
Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the affected MELSEC iQ-F Series main modules are updated with the latest patches released by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation to address the Authentication Bypass Vulnerability and enhance overall security.