ICS Advisory

Carlo Gavazzi Powersoft

Release Date
Alert Code
ICSA-23-138-01

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • CVSS v3 7.5
  • ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity/public exploits are available
  • Vendor: Carlo Gavazzi
  • Equipment: Powersoft
  • Vulnerabilities: Path Traversal

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to access and retrieve any file from the server. 

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of Carlo Gavazzi Powersoft, an energy management software, are affected:

  • Powersoft: Versions 2.1.1.1 and prior

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

3.2.1 IMPROPER LIMITATION OF A PATHNAME TO A RESTRICTED DIRECTORY ('PATH TRAVERSAL') CWE-22

Carlo Gavazzi Powersoft versions 2.1.1.1 and prior have a directory traversal vulnerability that can allow an attacker to access and retrieve any file through specially crafted GET requests to the server.

CVE-2017-20184 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).

3.3 BACKGROUND

  • CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
  • COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
  • COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Switzerland

3.4 RESEARCHER

CISA discovered a public proof-of-concept as authored by James Fitts.

4. MITIGATIONS

Carlo Gavazzi will not issue a fix as this product is end-of-life.

Users should contact Carlo Gavazzi for more information.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. Specifically, users should:

  • Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, and ensure they are not accessible from the Internet.
  • Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolate them from business networks.
  • When remote access is required, use 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 its 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 at 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.

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.

This product is provided subject to this Notification and this Privacy & Use policy.