CVE-2023-22419 – This vulnerability allows attackers to execute ... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-22419?

CVE-2023-22419 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or disclose sensitive information by tricking users into opening malicious project files in Kostac PLC Programming Software. It affects industrial control system engineers and organizations using Koyo/Kostac PLC programming tools for automation systems.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or disclose sensitive information by tricking users into opening malicious project files in Kostac PLC Programming Software. It affects industrial control system engineers and organizations using Koyo/Kostac PLC programming tools for automation systems.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Kostac PLC Programming Software
Koyo PLC Programming Software

Versions: Version 1.6.9.0 and earlier

Operating Systems: Windows

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects all installations of the vulnerable versions; no special configuration required for exploitation.

📦 What is this software?

Kostac Plc Programming Software by Jtekt

View all CVEs affecting Kostac Plc Programming Software →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Full system compromise leading to manipulation of industrial processes, production disruption, or safety system interference through arbitrary code execution.

🟠

Likely Case

Information disclosure of sensitive PLC configurations and project data, potentially enabling further attacks on industrial control systems.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact with proper network segmentation and user awareness preventing malicious file execution.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This requires user interaction to open malicious files, typically not exposed directly to internet.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Internal engineers regularly exchange project files, creating potential attack vectors within operational networks.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires user interaction to open malicious project files; no authentication bypass needed.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Version 1.6.10.0 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/en/topics/202303035258/

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download latest version from JTEKT Electronics website. 2. Uninstall current version. 3. Install updated version. 4. Restart system.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict project file handling

windows

Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of Kostac software or restrict opening of .proj/.kpf files

User awareness training

all

Train engineers to only open project files from trusted sources and verify file integrity

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Segment PLC programming workstations from production networks using firewalls
Implement strict file transfer controls and scanning for all project files before opening

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check software version in Help > About menu; if version is 1.6.9.0 or earlier, system is vulnerable.

Check Version:

Not applicable - check via GUI Help > About menu

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify version shows 1.6.10.0 or later in Help > About menu after update.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Application crashes with memory access violations
Unexpected file opens of .proj/.kpf extensions

Network Indicators:

Unusual file transfers to/from engineering workstations
Anomalous outbound connections from Kostac software

SIEM Query:

EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND Source='Kostac.exe' OR ProcessName='Kostac.exe' AND (ExceptionCode=0xc0000005 OR ExceptionCode=0xc0000409)

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-22419

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-125

Published: March 6, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU94966432/ Third Party Advisory
https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/en/topics/202303035258/ Vendor Advisory
https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/jp/topics/2023030313639/ Vendor Advisory
https://jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU94966432/ Third Party Advisory
https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/en/topics/202303035258/ Vendor Advisory
https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/jp/topics/2023030313639/ Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON

🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

If you're affected by CVE-2023-22419, you might also want to check these: