CVE-2023-29031 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of the cross-site scripting vulnerability in Rockwell Automation's ArmorStart ST product and its impact.

Understanding CVE-2023-29031

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-29031, a cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting Rockwell Automation's ArmorStart ST product.

What is CVE-2023-29031?

A cross-site scripting vulnerability was discovered in Rockwell Automation's ArmorStart ST product. This vulnerability could potentially allow a malicious user to view and modify sensitive data or make the web page unavailable. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, such as a phishing attack.

The Impact of CVE-2023-29031

The impact of CVE-2023-29031, classified under CAPEC-63 Cross-Site Scripting, is significant. The vulnerability poses a high risk, with potential confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-29031

Let's explore the technical details of CVE-2023-29031 to understand its implications further.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Rockwell Automation's ArmorStart ST product stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a classic cross-site scripting (XSS) issue (CWE-79).

Affected Systems and Versions

The ArmorStart ST product from Rockwell Automation is affected by this vulnerability across all versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, a malicious user would need to engage in user interaction, such as executing a phishing attack, to inject and execute malicious scripts on the target web page.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-29031 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Customers are advised to disable the webserver during normal use. By default, the webserver is disabled and should only be enabled for configuration modifications. After making changes, the web server should be promptly disabled to minimize risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to immediate steps, implementing robust security practices such as regular vulnerability assessments, employee training on phishing awareness, and monitoring web traffic for suspicious activities can enhance overall security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Rockwell Automation for the ArmorStart ST product. Timely installation of patches is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential exploitation.