CVE-2023-31166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-31166 article discusses an 'Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory' vulnerability in the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Real-Time Automation Controller (SEL RTAC) Web Interface, its impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2023-31166

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-31166 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-31166?

An 'Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory' vulnerability in the SEL RTAC Web Interface allows a remote authenticated attacker to create folders in arbitrary paths of the file system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-31166

The vulnerability is categorized under CAPEC-643 for identifying shared files/directories on a system and CAPEC-176 for configuration/environment manipulation. The CVSSv3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 4.1 (Medium Severity).

Technical Details of CVE-2023-31166

This section presents the technical details of CVE-2023-31166.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows unauthorized folder creation in arbitrary paths on the file system through the SEL RTAC Web Interface.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects various SEL products including SEL-3505, SEL-3530, SEL-3555, and more.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote authenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate the file system and compromise system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-31166 in this section.

Immediate Steps to Take

SEL recommends applying security updates, following SEL Service Bulletin, and monitoring for any unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement access controls, conduct regular security audits, and train users on secure practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about SEL security notifications and apply patches promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.