CVE-2023-1049
📋 TL;DR
This CVE-2023-1049 vulnerability allows code injection when a user opens a malicious project file in Schneider Electric's HMI software. Attackers can execute arbitrary code on the system by tricking users into loading specially crafted files. This affects users of Schneider Electric's HMI software who open project files from untrusted sources.
💻 Affected Systems
- Schneider Electric HMI software (specific product names not provided in CVE)
📦 What is this software?
Ecostruxure Operator Terminal Expert by Schneider Electric
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Ecostruxure Operator Terminal Expert by Schneider Electric
View all CVEs affecting Ecostruxure Operator Terminal Expert →
Ecostruxure Operator Terminal Expert by Schneider Electric
View all CVEs affecting Ecostruxure Operator Terminal Expert →
Pro Face Blue by Schneider Electric
Pro Face Blue by Schneider Electric
Pro Face Blue by Schneider Electric
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control of the HMI system, potentially leading to industrial process disruption, data theft, or lateral movement into OT networks.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or malware execution on the HMI system, potentially disrupting human-machine interface operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if users only open trusted project files and systems are properly segmented from critical networks.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires social engineering or file placement where users will open it. No authentication bypass needed beyond file access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in provided references
Vendor Advisory: https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SEVD-2023-164-01&p_enDocType=Security+and+Safety+Notice&p_File_Name=SEVD-2023-164-01.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download and install the security update from Schneider Electric's website. 2. Apply to all affected HMI systems. 3. Restart systems after installation. 4. Verify installation through version checking.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict project file sources
allOnly allow loading of project files from trusted, controlled sources. Implement strict file validation procedures.
User awareness training
allTrain users to only open project files from verified sources and recognize potential social engineering attempts.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
- Segment HMI systems from critical networks and implement strict network access controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if HMI software version matches affected versions listed in Schneider Electric advisory. Review if software opens project files without proper validation.Check Version:
Check HMI software 'About' dialog or consult vendor documentation for version checking procedureVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version matches or exceeds patched version from vendor advisory. Test with safe project files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process execution after project file load
- File access anomalies to project files
- Security software alerts for code injection attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from HMI systems after project file operations
SIEM Query:
Process creation events from HMI software with parent process being project file loader OR File access events to .proj/.project files followed by suspicious process execution