CVE-2023-22424
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in Kostac PLC Programming Software (formerly Koyo PLC Programming Software) allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or disclose information by tricking users into opening malicious project files. This affects industrial control system engineers and organizations using version 1.6.9.0 or earlier of this PLC programming software.
💻 Affected Systems
- Kostac PLC Programming Software
- Koyo PLC Programming Software
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through remote code execution, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate industrial processes, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or information disclosure when users open specially crafted project files, potentially leading to lateral movement within industrial networks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if software is isolated from critical systems and users are trained to avoid opening untrusted project files.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious project file) and knowledge of the software's internal memory management.
🛠️ 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 the latest version from JTEKT's official website. 2. Uninstall the vulnerable version. 3. Install the patched version. 4. Restart the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict project file access
allLimit access to project files and only open files from trusted sources
Network segmentation
allIsolate PLC programming workstations from production networks and internet access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from opening project files
- Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of malicious code if exploitation occurs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check software version in Help > About menu. If version is 1.6.9.0 or earlier, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via GUI: Help > About menu in Kostac PLC Programming SoftwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 1.6.10.0 or later in Help > About menu after patching.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected crashes of Kostac software
- Multiple failed attempts to open project files
- Unusual process creation from Kostac executable
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network connections from PLC programming workstations
- File transfers of project files from untrusted sources
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND ProcessName="Kostac*.exe" OR SourceName="Application Error" AND Message LIKE "%Kostac%"🔗 References
- https://jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU94966432/
- https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/en/topics/202303035258/
- https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/jp/topics/2023030313639/
- https://jvn.jp/en/vu/JVNVU94966432/
- https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/en/topics/202303035258/
- https://www.electronics.jtekt.co.jp/jp/topics/2023030313639/
