CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2023-6448Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

Unitronics Vision PLC and HMI Insecure Default Password

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2023-6448 is a critical-severity use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability in VisiLogic from Unitronics, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 9.9.00 as the first without the flaw, so updating VisiLogic to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on December 11, 2023, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update VisiLogic to 9.9.00 or a later version.
  2. Update Vision1210 Firmware to 12.38 or a later version.
  3. Update Vision1040 Firmware to 12.38 or a later version.
  4. CISA's required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
  5. Read the advisory on downloads.unitronicsplc.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  6. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
UnitronicsVisiLogicbefore 9.9.009.9.00
UnitronicsVision1210 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision1040 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision700 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision570 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision560 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision430 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision350 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision130 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision230 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision280 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision290 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision530 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsVision120 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsSamba 3.5 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsSamba 4.3 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38
UnitronicsSamba 7 Firmwarebefore 12.3812.38

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
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
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:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalCNA
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalNVD

Official description

Unitronics VisiLogic before version 9.9.00, used in Vision and Samba PLCs and HMIs, uses a default administrative password. An unauthenticated attacker with network access can take administrative control of a vulnerable system.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Use of Hard-coded Credentials

The product contains hard-coded credentials, such as a password or cryptographic key.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • For outbound authentication: store passwords, keys, and other credentials outside of the code in a strongly-protected, encrypted configuration file or database that is protected from access by all outsiders, including other local users on the same system. Properly protect the key (CWE-320). If you cannot use encryption to protect the file, then make sure that the permissions are as restrictive as possible. In Windows environments, the Encrypted File System (EFS) may provide some protection.
  • For inbound authentication: Rather than hard-code a default username and password, key, or other authentication credentials for first time logins, utilize a first login mode that requires the user to enter a unique strong password or key.
  • If the product must contain hard-coded credentials or they cannot be removed, perform access control checks and limit which entities can access the feature that requires the hard-coded credentials. For example, a feature might only be enabled through the system console instead of through a network connection.

More Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerabilities (CWE-798)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
  3. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  4. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.