CVE-2023-46096 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC PCS neo (All versions < V4.1) where the PUD Manager does not properly authenticate users in the web service, potentially allowing an unauthenticated adjacent attacker to gain elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-46096

This CVE refers to a security flaw in SIMATIC PCS neo products, affecting versions below V4.1, allowing unauthorized access to privileged tokens.

What is CVE-2023-46096?

The vulnerability in SIMATIC PCS neo products allows an unauthenticated attacker to exploit the PUD Manager web service and potentially upload malicious documents without proper authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2023-46096

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain elevated privileges, posing a serious security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-46096

This section details the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the inadequate authentication mechanisms within the PUD Manager web service, allowing unauthenticated adjacent attackers to generate privileged tokens and potentially upload unauthorized documents.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects all versions of SIMATIC PCS neo below V4.1, leaving these systems vulnerable to exploitation by unauthorized parties.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of proper user authentication in the PUD Manager web service, attackers can generate privileged tokens and upload additional documents without the necessary credentials.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-46096.

Immediate Steps to Take

Siemens users are advised to update their SIMATIC PCS neo products to version V4.1 or higher to address this vulnerability.
Restrict network access to the PUD Manager web service to trusted entities only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication mechanisms to enhance user verification processes.
Regularly monitor and audit user activity within the PUD Manager web service to detect any unauthorized access attempts.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Siemens for SIMATIC PCS neo products to address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.