Advantech R-SeeNet

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• ​CVSS v3 9.8
• ​ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
• ​Vendor: Advantech
• ​Equipment: R-SeeNet
• ​Vulnerability: Hard Coded Password, External Control of File Name or Path

2. RISK EVALUATION

​Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to authenticate as a valid user or access files on the system.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

​Advantech reports these vulnerabilities affects the following R-SeeNet monitoring application:

• ​R-SeeNet: versions 2.4.22 and prior

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

​3.2.1 USE OF HARD-CODED CREDENTIALS CWE-798

​Advantech R-SeeNet is installed with a hidden root-level user that is not available in the users list. This hidden user has a password that cannot be changed by users.

​CVE-2023-2611 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 9.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.2.2 ​EXTERNAL CONTROL OF FILE NAME OR PATH CWE-73

​Advantech R-SeeNet allows low-level users to access and load the content of local files.

​CVE-2023-3256 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 8.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.3 BACKGROUND

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

3.4 RESEARCHER

​Esjay (@esj4y), working with Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative, reported these vulnerabilities to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

​Advantech released R-SeeNet 2.4.23, which fixes both vulnerabilities. All users are recommended to upgrade to this version: https://icr.advantech.cz/products/software/r-seenet

​CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of these vulnerabilities. Specifically, users should:

• ​Ensure the least-privilege user principle is followed.
• ​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.

​CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:

• ​Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages.
• ​Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
• ​Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.

​No known public exploits specifically target these vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are exploitable remotely. These vulnerabilities have low attack complexity.

• Advantech