CVE-2023-6711 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was assigned by Hitachi Energy and was published on December 19, 2023. The vulnerability affects RTU500 series CMU Firmware versions up to 13.5.1.

Understanding CVE-2023-6711

This CVE relates to a vulnerability present in SCI IEC 60870-5-104 and HCI IEC 60870-5-104 components that impact the RTU500 series CMU Firmware. When specially crafted messages are sent to these components, inadequate validation can cause a buffer overflow leading to a reboot of an RTU500 CMU.

What is CVE-2023-6711?

The vulnerability exists in SCI IEC 60870-5-104 and HCI IEC 60870-5-104 components. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted messages that aren't properly validated, resulting in a buffer overflow and ultimately causing the RTU500 CMU to reboot.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6711

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as "MEDIUM." It has a CVSSv3 base score of 5.9 and affects the availability of the system. The specific CAPEC associated with this vulnerability is CAPEC-100 - Overflow Buffers.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6711

This section outlines the technical details related to CVE-2023-6711:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SCI IEC 60870-5-104 and HCI IEC 60870-5-104 allows for buffer overflow when specially crafted messages are sent, potentially leading to a system reboot.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE affects the RTU500 series CMU Firmware versions up to 13.5.1. Versions from 12.0.1 to 13.5.1 are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by sending maliciously crafted messages to the SCI IEC 60870-5-104 and HCI IEC 60870-5-104 components, triggering buffer overflows that could cause system reboots.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-6711, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected RTU500 series CMU Firmware to a patched version provided by Hitachi Energy.
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure to potential attackers.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of suspicious activity targeting the vulnerable components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all firmware and software components within the environment.
Conduct security training for employees to raise awareness of potential threats and how to respond.
Implement a robust incident response plan to address security breaches promptly.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the RTU500 series CMU Firmware is always up-to-date with the latest patches provided by Hitachi Energy to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.