Subnet Solutions PowerSYSTEM Center

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• CVSS v4 6.9
• ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
• Vendor: Subnet Solutions Inc.
• Equipment: Subnet PowerSYSTEM Center
• Vulnerability: Prototype Pollution

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an authenticated attacker to elevate permissions.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of Subnet PowerSYSTEM Center are affected:

• PowerSYSTEM Center 2020: Update 20 and prior

3.2 Vulnerability Overview

3.2.1 IMPROPERLY CONTROLLED MODIFICATION OF OBJECT PROTOTYPE ATTRIBUTES (‘PROTOTYPE POLLUTION’) CWE-1321

Subnet PowerSYSTEM Center products are vulnerable to a prototype pollution vulnerability, which may allow an authenticated attacker to elevate permissions.

CVE-2023-26136 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N).

A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2023-26136. A base score of 6.9 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

3.3 BACKGROUND

• CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing, Energy
• COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
• COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Canada

3.4 RESEARCHER

Subnet Solutions Inc. reported this vulnerability to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

Subnet Solutions recommends users upgrade to PowerSYSTEM Center versions 2020 Update 21 or later. To obtain this software, contact Subnet Solution’s Customer Service.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:

• Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
• Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
• When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.

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.

CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:

• Do not click web links or open attachments in unsolicited email messages.
• Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.

No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time.

5. UPDATE HISTORY

• July 18, 2024: Initial Publication