CVE-2024-45481
Remediation / Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2024-45481
Vulnerability Summary:
- Vulnerability: Incomplete Filtering of Special Elements
- Affected Product: B&R APROL <4.4-00P5 (Scripts using SSH server)
- Vendor: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. (ABB)
- CVE ID: CVE-2024-45481
Severity:
- CVSS Score: 8.5 (High) - This suggests a significant risk.
- Impact: Allows an authenticated local attacker to authenticate as another legitimate user. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system modification, or other malicious activities, depending on the privileges of the targeted user.
Description:
The vulnerability stems from insufficient filtering of special elements within scripts that utilize the SSH server on B&R APROL systems older than version 4.4-00P5. This inadequate filtering allows an attacker, who already has local access and authentication, to manipulate these elements in a way that bypasses authentication mechanisms and allows them to impersonate another valid user. This implies a flaw in how user input or system variables are handled when interacting with the SSH server through these scripts. The specifics of the filtering flaw are not detailed, but it likely involves a mechanism where special characters or escape sequences are not properly sanitized, leading to unintended command execution or privilege escalation.
Known Exploit:
- While the provided data does not explicitly describe the method of exploitation, the vulnerability description implies a manipulation of SSH authentication. The attacker must already have an account to exploit the vulnerability.
- Specific exploit details are currently unavailable, but potential attack vectors could involve:
- Command Injection: Inserting malicious commands into script parameters that are then passed to the SSH server without proper sanitization.
- Privilege Escalation: Exploiting the incomplete filtering to gain higher privileges within the system, potentially leading to the ability to impersonate other users.
- Authentication Bypass: Manipulating the authentication process via the SSH server to gain access as another user.
Remediation / Mitigation Strategy:
This strategy prioritizes immediate steps to reduce risk, followed by long-term preventative measures.
1. Immediate Actions (Short-Term Mitigation):
* **Upgrade to a Supported Version:** The most effective solution is to upgrade the B&R APROL system to a version 4.4-00P5 or newer. This should contain the fix for CVE-2024-45481. Consult ABB's documentation for the upgrade process.
* **Restrict Local Access:** Review and restrict access to the affected systems. Limit the number of users with local accounts and implement the principle of least privilege. Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to systems running vulnerable versions of APROL.
* **Monitor SSH Logs:** Implement or enhance SSH logging and monitoring to detect suspicious activity. Look for unusual authentication attempts, unexpected command execution, or any indicators of compromise. Use tools to analyze logs automatically.
* **Disable Unnecessary Scripts:** Disable any scripts utilizing the SSH server on B&R APROL that are not critical to operations. This reduces the attack surface.
* **Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):** MFA, where possible, adds an extra layer of security even if the first factor is compromised. It may be possible to use MFA for logins even if the vulnerability exists.
2. Long-Term Measures (Preventative Actions):
* **Regular Security Patching:** Establish a regular patching schedule to ensure that all systems are updated with the latest security patches.
* **Vulnerability Scanning:** Implement regular vulnerability scanning to identify and address potential security weaknesses proactively. Utilize tools to detect vulnerabilities in APROL systems.
* **Secure Coding Practices:** Enforce secure coding practices for all scripts that interact with the SSH server or handle user input. This includes input validation, output encoding, and proper handling of special characters. Review the coding practices of B&R APROL's included scripts.
* **Principle of Least Privilege:** Ensure that users and processes only have the minimum necessary privileges to perform their tasks.
* **Security Awareness Training:** Provide security awareness training to users and administrators to educate them about potential security threats and how to identify and respond to them.
* **Network Segmentation:** Segment the network to limit the impact of a successful attack. Isolate the APROL systems from other critical systems.
* **Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS):** Implement IDS/IPS to detect and prevent malicious activity on the network. Configure these systems to monitor for SSH-related attacks.
* **Vendor Communication:** Maintain open communication with ABB to stay informed about security updates and potential vulnerabilities. Subscribe to ABB's security advisories.
* **Penetration Testing:** Conduct regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the system.
3. Verification:
* After applying the remediation steps, conduct thorough testing to verify their effectiveness. This should include testing with known exploit techniques and simulating potential attack scenarios.
* Perform code reviews of the affected scripts to ensure that input validation and sanitization are properly implemented.
Disclaimer: This strategy is based on the limited information provided. A comprehensive security assessment of the affected environment is recommended to identify all potential risks and develop a tailored remediation plan. Consult with ABB and qualified security professionals for guidance and assistance.
Assigner
- Asea Brown Boveri Ltd. (ABB) [email protected]
Date
- Published Date: 2025-03-25 05:15:39
- Updated Date: 2025-03-25 05:15:39