CVE-2023-28343
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on Altenergy Power Control Software systems by injecting shell metacharacters into the timezone parameter. Attackers can gain full control of affected systems, potentially compromising power control infrastructure. Systems running vulnerable versions of Altenergy Power Control Software C1.2.5 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Altenergy Power Control Software
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands, install malware, pivot to other systems, disrupt power control operations, and potentially cause physical damage to connected power systems.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to system takeover, data theft, installation of backdoors, and disruption of power monitoring/control functions.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation, input validation, and least privilege principles are implemented, though the vulnerability still exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public proof-of-concept available on Packet Storm Security and GitHub. Exploitation requires sending crafted HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: https://apsystems.com
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Check vendor website for updates. Consider implementing workarounds or replacing vulnerable systems.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
linuxImplement strict input validation for the timezone parameter to reject shell metacharacters
Modify models/management_model.php to sanitize timezone input before processing
Web Application Firewall Rules
allDeploy WAF rules to block requests containing shell metacharacters in the timezone parameter
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems in a separate network segment with strict firewall rules
- Disable or restrict access to the management interface, allowing only from trusted IP addresses
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if system is running Altenergy Power Control Software C1.2.5 and has the vulnerable endpoint /index.php/management/set_timezone accessibleCheck Version:
Check software version in web interface or configuration filesVerify Fix Applied:
Test if shell metacharacters in timezone parameter are properly sanitized or rejected📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual commands in system logs
- HTTP requests to /index.php/management/set_timezone with shell metacharacters
- Unexpected process execution
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to vulnerable endpoint with suspicious payloads
- Outbound connections from power control systems to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND uri="/index.php/management/set_timezone" AND (payload CONTAINS "|" OR payload CONTAINS ";" OR payload CONTAINS "`" OR payload CONTAINS "$" OR payload CONTAINS "(")🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171775/Altenergy-Power-Control-Software-C1.2.5-Command-Injection.html
- https://apsystems.com
- https://github.com/ahmedalroky/Disclosures/blob/main/apesystems/os_command_injection.md
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/171775/Altenergy-Power-Control-Software-C1.2.5-Command-Injection.html
- https://apsystems.com
- https://github.com/ahmedalroky/Disclosures/blob/main/apesystems/os_command_injection.md
