ICS Advisory

Mitsubishi Electric FA Engineering Software

Release Date
Alert Code
ICSA-23-269-03

View CSAF

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  • CVSS v3 9.3
  • ATTENTION: Low attack complexity
  • Vendor: Mitsubishi Electric
  • Equipment: FA Engineering Software Products
  • Vulnerability: Incorrect Default Permissions

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local attacker to execute code, which could result in information disclosure, tampering with and deletion of information, or a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of Mitsubishi Electric FA Engineering Software Products are affected:

  • GX Works3: All versions

3.2 Vulnerability Overview

3.2.1 INCORRECT DEFAULT PERMISSIONS CWE-276

In all versions of Mitsubishi Electric GX Works3, code execution is possible due to permission issues. This could allow an attacker to cause information disclosure, tampering with and deletion of information, or a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.

CVE-2023-4088 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 9.3 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.3 BACKGROUND

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

3.4 RESEARCHER

01dGu0 of ZHEJIANG QIAN INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD reported this vulnerability to Mitsubishi Electric.

4. MITIGATIONS

Mitsubishi Electric recommends that customers take the following mitigation measures to minimize the risk of exploiting this vulnerability:

  • Install the version described in the Mitsubishi Electric advisory into the default installation folder. If it is necessary to change the installation folder from the default, select a folder that only users with Administrator privileges have permission to change.
  • Install an anti-virus software on the computer using the affected product.
  • Use your computer with the affected product within the LAN and block remote login from untrusted networks, hosts, and users.
  • When connecting your computer with the affected product to the Internet, use a firewall, virtual private network (VPN),

    etc., and allow only trusted users to remote login.
  • Don't open untrusted files or click untrusted links.

For more information, see the Mitsubishi security advisory.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. 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. This vulnerability is not exploitable remotely.

5. UPDATE HISTORY

  • September 26, 2023: Initial Publication

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

Vendor

Mitsubishi Electric