CVE-2023-6631: PowerSYSTEM Center Vulnerability Could Allow Privilege Escalation

Overview

A high-severity vulnerability has been identified in PowerSYSTEM Center versions 2020 Update 16 and earlier versions. This vulnerability, designated as CVE-2023-6631, could potentially allow an authorized local user to insert arbitrary code into the unquoted service path and escalate their privileges. This could result in a significant impact on the security of the system, allowing the unauthorized alteration of system configurations or even data leakage. The vulnerability is especially critical for businesses and organizations that utilize PowerSYSTEM Center for their operations.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2023-6631
Severity: High (7.8 CVSS)
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Potential system compromise and data leakage

Affected Products

Product | Affected Versions

PowerSYSTEM Center | 2020 Update 16 and prior

How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability lies in the unquoted service path of PowerSYSTEM Center. A local user with low-level access can manipulate this service path by inserting arbitrary code. This code execution can lead to escalated privileges beyond that of the user’s current level. With these escalated privileges, the user can then perform unauthorized actions such as altering system configurations or accessing sensitive data, leading to potential system compromise or data leakage.

Conceptual Example Code

Below is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited:

# Locate the service path
service_path=$(wmic service get name,pathname | findstr /i "PowerSYSTEM Center")
# Inject arbitrary code into the service path
echo "malicious_code" > "$service_path\malicious_code.exe"
# Start the service, executing the arbitrary code with escalated privileges
net start "PowerSYSTEM Center"

In the above pseudo-code, the attacker first identifies the service path for PowerSYSTEM Center. They then insert their malicious code into this path. When the service is started, the malicious code is executed, leading to privilege escalation.

Mitigation Guidance

Users of PowerSYSTEM Center versions 2020 Update 16 and prior are advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as it is available. Until then, a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can be used as temporary mitigation to monitor and block potential exploit attempts. Regularly reviewing system and application logs for any unusual activity can also help to detect potential exploits.