SIMATIC PCS neo: Permissive Cross-domain Security Policy with Untrusted Domains
CVE-2023-46098 is a high-severity permissive cross-domain security policy with untrusted domains vulnerability in SIMATIC PCS neo from Siemens, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected SIMATIC PCS neo versions: All versions < V4.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.62% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 50% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of SIMATIC PCS neo you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on cert-portal.siemens.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siemens | SIMATIC PCS neo | All versions < V4.1 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.0 | High | CNA (siemens.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC PCS neo (All versions < V4.1). When accessing the Information Server from affected products, the products use an overly permissive CORS policy. This could allow an attacker to trick a legitimate user to trigger unwanted behavior.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Permissive Cross-domain Security Policy with Untrusted Domains
The product uses a web-client protection mechanism such as a Content Security Policy (CSP) or cross-domain policy file, but the policy includes untrusted domains with which the web client is allowed to communicate.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Define a restrictive Content Security Policy or cross-domain policy file.
- Avoid using wildcards in the CSP / cross-domain policy file. Any domain matching the wildcard expression will be implicitly trusted, and can perform two-way interaction with the target server.
- For Flash, modify crossdomain.xml to use meta-policy options such as 'master-only' or 'none' to reduce the possibility of an attacker planting extraneous cross-domain policy files on a server.
More Permissive Cross-domain Security Policy with Untrusted Domains vulnerabilities (CWE-942)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in SIMATIC PCS neo
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Permissive Cross-domain Security Policy with Untrusted Domains vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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