CVE-2023-3346 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE, assigned by Mitsubishi, was published on August 3, 2023. It involves a Denial of Service (DoS) and Remote Code Execution vulnerability in the MITSUBISHI CNC Series.

Understanding CVE-2023-3346

This CVE identifies a critical security issue in the MITSUBISHI CNC Series that can potentially lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition and the execution of arbitrary code by remote unauthenticated attackers.

What is CVE-2023-3346?

The vulnerability in the MITSUBISHI CNC Series is specifically a 'Classic Buffer Overflow' issue. It allows remote attackers to exploit a buffer copy without checking the size of input, enabling them to send specially crafted packets to trigger a DoS condition and execute arbitrary code on the affected product. Recovery from this vulnerability requires a system reset.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3346

The impact of this CVE includes a high severity level with the potential for Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and Remote Code Execution on the affected systems. Both the confidentiality and integrity of the system are at risk due to this vulnerability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3346

This vulnerability in the MITSUBISHI CNC Series has the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow') issue, which allows remote unauthenticated attackers to exploit the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Several products in the MITSUBISHI CNC Series are affected by this vulnerability, including versions prior to A8 and FB for various systems like M800V, M800S, M80V, M80W, M800, M800W, E80, C80, M700V, M720VW, M730VW, M750VW, M720VS, M730VS, M750VS, M70V, E70, IoT Unit Remote Service Gateway Unit, and IoT Unit Data Acquisition Unit.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending specially crafted packets to the affected products, leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) condition and the execution of arbitrary code by remote attackers.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-3346, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected systems to patched versions as provided by Mitsubishi.
Implement network security measures to minimize the risk of remote attacks.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activity that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all systems to prevent future vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address potential security gaps.
Educate users and administrators on best security practices to reduce risks.

Patching and Updates

Mitsubishi has released patches for the affected products. It is crucial to apply these updates promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

This CVE serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive security measures to protect critical industrial systems from potential cyber threats.