CVE-2023-6631 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-6631 article provides detailed insights into a vulnerability identified in PowerSYSTEM Center software by Subnet Solutions Inc.

Understanding CVE-2023-6631

The vulnerability identified in this CVE, labeled as "Subnet Solutions Inc. PowerSYSTEM Center Unquoted Search Path or Element," poses a significant risk to systems utilizing PowerSYSTEM Center software.

What is CVE-2023-6631?

PowerSYSTEM Center versions 2020 Update 16 and earlier are susceptible to a security flaw that could be exploited by an authorized local user to insert arbitrary code into the unquoted service path, leading to privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6631

The vulnerability in PowerSYSTEM Center presents a high severity risk, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8. It can potentially result in high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, with low privileges required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6631

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in PowerSYSTEM Center versions 2020 Update 16 and earlier allows an authorized local user to inject arbitrary code into the unquoted service path, leading to privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The security vulnerability impacts PowerSYSTEM Center versions prior to 2020 Update 17, specifically version 2020 v5.0.x.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur locally, where the attacker can leverage the unquoted service path to insert malicious code and elevate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-6631, users and organizations can follow certain steps to enhance their security posture and protect their systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to apply Application Allowlisting on PowerSYSTEM Center Device Communication Server (DCS) hosts to restrict the execution of only trusted executables. If unable to upgrade to PowerSYSTEM Center 2020 Update 17, users can mitigate the risk by modifying specific registry entries.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a comprehensive security policy that includes regular security assessments, patch management, and user training can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Subnet Solutions Inc. advises users to upgrade to PowerSYSTEM Center versions 2020 Update 17 or later to address this vulnerability effectively. Users can contact the Subnet Solution's Customer Service for assistance in obtaining the necessary software upgrade.