CVE-2023-5986 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-5986 was published on November 15, 2023, by Schneider Electric. The vulnerability involves a CWE-601 URL Redirection to Untrusted Site issue that could potentially lead to an open redirect vulnerability, ultimately resulting in a cross-site scripting attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-5986

This section will delve into what CVE-2023-5986 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5986?

CVE-2023-5986 is a vulnerability identified in Schneider Electric's software, particularly affecting products such as EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert (PME) and EcoStruxure Power Operation (EPO), among others. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate URL-encoded inputs, leading the web application to redirect to a malicious domain post a successful login.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5986

With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 and a high severity level, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. It can result in the compromise of confidentiality, allowing attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information within the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5986

This part will elaborate on the vulnerability's description, the systems and versions affected, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The CWE-601 URL Redirection to Untrusted Site vulnerability permits threat actors to exploit URL-encoded inputs, causing the software's web application to redirect to a designated domain after a successful login, consequently facilitating cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Schneider Electric products such as EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert (PME), EcoStruxure Power Operation (EPO), and EcoStruxure Power SCADA Operation (PSO) are impacted. Specifically, versions prior to 2020 CU2 and 2021 CU1 for PME, and earlier than CU2 for EPO, along with PSO 2020 or 2020 R2, are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows threat actors to exploit URL-encoded data, manipulating the software's web application to redirect unsuspecting users to malicious domains, thereby initiating cross-site scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss the necessary steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-5986 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial for organizations using the affected Schneider Electric products to apply security patches promptly to address the vulnerability and reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, implementing input validation mechanisms and user awareness training can help mitigate this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust security protocols, regular security assessments, and staying informed about software updates and security advisories are essential for maintaining a secure environment and safeguarding against potential cyber threats.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring that the affected systems are up to date with the latest patches and security updates provided by Schneider Electric is paramount. Regularly monitoring for security advisories and promptly applying patches can help mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5986.