Brief

Summary:

The View CSAF document provides information on a vulnerability in Advantech WebAccess Version 9.1.3, which exposes user credentials to an unauthorized actor. The vulnerability, designated as CVE-2023-4215, has a CVSS v3 base score of 6.5. The affected product, Advantech WebAccess Version 9.1.3, is a web-based interface for configuring and monitoring industrial control systems. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to the leak of user credentials.

The document provides technical details on the vulnerability, including its background, affected products, and mitigations. The vendor, Advantech, recommends updating to Version 9.1.4, while the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends minimizing network exposure, locating control systems behind firewalls, and implementing defensive measures such as using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

View CSAF

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • CVSS v3 6.5
  • ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
  • Vendor: Advantech
  • Equipment: WebAccess
  • Vulnerability: Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could leak user credentials.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of Advantech WebAccess, are affected:

  • Advantech WebAccess: Version 9.1.3.

3.2 Vulnerability Overview

3.2.1 EXPOSURE OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION TO AN UNAUTHORIZED ACTOR CWE-200

Advantech WebAccess Version 9.1.3 could expose user credentials to an unauthorized actor. When configuring or modifying account information on the device, an unauthorized actor can use the Cloud Agent Debug service to capture user credentials.

CVE-2023-4215 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 6.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).

3.3 BACKGROUND

  • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing, Energy, Water and Wastewater Systems
  • COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
  • COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Taiwan

3.4 RESEARCHER

Elcazators reported this vulnerability to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

Advantech recommends users update WebAccess to Version 9.1.4.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:

  • Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
  • Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
  • When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.

CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time.

5. UPDATE HISTORY

  • October 12, 2023: Initial Publication

Highlights content goes here...

View CSAF Summary

Executive Summary
A vulnerability has been identified in Advantech’s WebAccess version 9.1.3, which could expose user credentials to an unauthorized actor. The vulnerability, designated as CVE-2023-4215, has a CVSS v3 base score of 6.5, indicating a high-level risk. An attacker with remote access and low attack complexity can exploit this vulnerability, potentially leading to the leak of user credentials.

Risk Evaluation
The successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, including user credentials. This could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the user data and potentially lead to unauthorized actions being taken within the system.

Technical Details
The affected product is Advantech WebAccess version 9.1.3. The vulnerability occurs when an unauthorized actor uses the Cloud Agent Debug service to capture user credentials while configuring or modifying account information on the device. The vulnerability affects critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, water, and wastewater systems, and is deployed worldwide.

Mitigations
To minimize the risk of exploitation, Advantech recommends updating WebAccess to version 9.1.4. CISA also recommends implementing defensive measures, including:

1. Minimizing network exposure for control system devices and systems.
2. Locating control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls.
3. Using secure remote access methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Additional Recommendations
CISA provides additional guidance and recommended practices for control systems security, including defense-in-depth strategies and targeted cyber intrusion detection and mitigation strategies. Organizations are encouraged to implement these strategies to proactively defend their ICS assets.

Update History
The initial publication of this vulnerability was on October 12, 2023.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

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