CVE-2023-5769 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record has been assigned by Hitachi Energy and was published on December 14, 2023. The vulnerability affects the RTU500 series CMU Firmware versions 12.0.1 – 12.0.14, 12.2.1 – 12.2.11, 12.4.1 – 12.4.11, 12.6.1 – 12.6.9, 12.7.1 – 12.7.6, 13.2.1 – 13.2.6, and 13.4.1 – 13.4.3.

Understanding CVE-2023-5769

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-5769 is, the impact it carries, its technical details, and how to mitigate and prevent its exploitation.

What is CVE-2023-5769?

CVE-2023-5769 revolves around a vulnerability in the webserver of the RTU500 series product versions mentioned above. Due to improper sanitization of user input, malicious actors could potentially execute cross-site scripting attacks on the webserver.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5769

The impact of CVE-2023-5769 is classified as medium severity. With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 5.4, the attack complexity is low, requiring user interaction and having a network attack vector. While the vulnerability does not directly impact availability, confidentiality, or integrity, it poses a risk due to the potential for cross-site scripting attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5769

This section will provide more insights into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-5769.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-5769 stems from the inadequate sanitization of user input in the webserver of the RTU500 series CMU Firmware versions, potentially enabling cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The RTU500 series CMU Firmware versions 12.0.1 – 12.0.14, 12.2.1 – 12.2.11, 12.4.1 – 12.4.11, 12.6.1 – 12.6.9, 12.7.1 – 12.7.6, 13.2.1 – 13.2.6, and 13.4.1 – 13.4.3 are affected by CVE-2023-5769.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging user input that has not been properly sanitized, enabling them to execute cross-site scripting attacks on the webserver.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will explore the immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates in mitigating and preventing CVE-2023-5769.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-5769, immediate steps should include implementing thorough input validation and sanitization processes, monitoring for any suspicious activities, and restricting user inputs on the webserver.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, including regular security assessments, training employees on cybersecurity best practices, and staying informed about emerging threats, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for organizations using the affected RTU500 series CMU Firmware versions to stay updated with security patches and firmware updates provided by Hitachi Energy to address CVE-2023-5769 and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.