CVE-2024-13931
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a relative path traversal vulnerability in ABB's ASPECT software that allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the system if they compromise administrator credentials. The vulnerability affects multiple ABB product series including ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series. Attackers can leverage this to read sensitive files outside the intended directory structure.
💻 Affected Systems
- ASPECT-Enterprise
- NEXUS Series
- MATRIX Series
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise through reading of sensitive configuration files, credentials, or system files leading to complete control of affected systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, configuration files, or credential storage leading to further system compromise.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to proper credential management and network segmentation preventing credential compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires valid administrator credentials, making this a post-authentication vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 3.08.03
Vendor Advisory: https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108471A0021&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=pdf&Action=Launch
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the latest version from ABB's official portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the update following ABB's installation guide. 4. Restart the ASPECT services. 5. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Administrator Access
allImplement strict access controls and monitoring for administrator accounts to prevent credential compromise.
File System Restrictions
allApply strict file system permissions to limit what authenticated users can access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate affected systems from untrusted networks.
- Deploy application-level firewalls to monitor and block suspicious file access patterns.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the ASPECT software version in the administration interface or configuration files. If version is 3.08.03 or earlier, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check the ASPECT administration console or configuration files for version information.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the software version is greater than 3.08.03 and test that path traversal attempts are properly blocked.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file access patterns in application logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
- Access to files outside normal application directories
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound file transfers from ASPECT servers
- Suspicious authentication traffic to ASPECT interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="aspect_logs" AND (event="file_access" AND path="../") OR (auth_failures > 3 AND auth_success)