CVE-2023-49691 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in various Siemens products where an Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command with root privileges exists. This could potentially allow malicious local administrators to execute system-level commands after a successful IP address update.

Understanding CVE-2023-49691

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-49691 vulnerability affecting Siemens products.

What is CVE-2023-49691?

The vulnerability involves an Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command with root privileges, specifically in the handling of the DDNS configuration.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49691

The impact of this vulnerability is that it enables malicious local administrators to issue commands at the system level post a successful IP address update.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49691

This section explores the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-49691 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of DDNS configuration, leading to the execution of unauthorized system-level commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following Siemens products are affected by this vulnerability with versions below V8.0:

RUGGEDCOM RM1224 LTE(4G) EU
RUGGEDCOM RM1224 LTE(4G) NAM
SCALANCE M804PB
SCALANCE M812-1 ADSL-Router (Annex A)
SCALANCE M812-1 ADSL-Router (Annex B)
SCALANCE M816-1 ADSL-Router (Annex A)
SCALANCE M816-1 ADSL-Router (Annex B)
SCALANCE M826-2 SHDSL-Router
SCALANCE M874-2
SCALANCE M874-3
SCALANCE M876-3 (EVDO)
SCALANCE M876-3 (ROK)
SCALANCE M876-4
SCALANCE M876-4 (EU)
SCALANCE M876-4 (NAM)
SCALANCE MUM853-1 (EU)
SCALANCE MUM856-1 (EU)
SCALANCE MUM856-1 (RoW)
SCALANCE S615
SCALANCE S615 EEC

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by local administrators to execute unauthorized commands on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2023-49691 vulnerability is crucial for maintaining system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should consider taking immediate action to secure the affected Siemens products by implementing recommended security measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust security practices and regularly updating security protocols can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that Siemens products are kept up to date with the latest patches and security updates is vital in mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-49691.