CVE-2023-30897 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC WinCC that could allow an attacker to inject arbitrary code and escalate privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-30897

This CVE involves a security flaw in SIMATIC WinCC versions prior to V7.5.2.13, allowing an authenticated local attacker to exploit the incorrect permission assignment vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-30897?

The vulnerability in SIMATIC WinCC occurs due to improper access rights set for the installation folder when a non-default installation path is selected. This can enable a local attacker to inject malicious code and gain escalated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2023-30897

With a base severity rating of high (7.8), this vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code and potentially take control of the affected system. The compromised system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all at risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-30897

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, the affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from SIMATIC WinCC failing to assign proper access rights to the installation directory, paving the way for an attacker to inject code and elevate privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted system is Siemens' SIMATIC WinCC, specifically versions prior to V7.5.2.13. Users running these versions are susceptible to the security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated local attacker can exploit this vulnerability by selecting a non-default installation path during the installation of SIMATIC WinCC. By leveraging this misconfiguration, the attacker can inject malicious code and gain higher privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-30897 and safeguard your systems from potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version V7.5.2.13 or higher of SIMATIC WinCC to eliminate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access and limit potential damage.
Conduct security training to educate users on best practices and security measures.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Siemens for SIMATIC WinCC. Apply these updates promptly to ensure your systems are protected from known vulnerabilities.