CVE-2024-48845
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes weak password reset rules in ABB building automation systems that allow storage of weak passwords, potentially enabling unauthorized administrative or application access. Affected systems include ABB ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series version 3.07.02.
💻 Affected Systems
- ABB ASPECT-Enterprise
- ABB NEXUS Series
- ABB MATRIX Series
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain administrative access to building automation systems, potentially compromising physical security controls, environmental systems, and operational technology networks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users gain application-level access to manipulate building systems, view sensitive operational data, or disrupt normal operations.
If Mitigated
With strong password policies and network segmentation, impact is limited to potential information disclosure without system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires access to password reset functionality and knowledge of weak password rules. No authentication bypass is indicated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not specified in provided reference
Vendor Advisory: https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108469A7497&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Action=Launch
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review ABB advisory for specific patch details. 2. Apply recommended updates from ABB. 3. Restart affected systems. 4. Verify password policies are enforced.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Enforce Strong Password Policy
allImplement and enforce strong password requirements including minimum length, complexity, and expiration policies.
Network Segmentation
allIsolate building automation systems from general corporate networks and internet access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach affected systems
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring of authentication attempts and password changes
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected version 3.07.02 and review password policy settings.Check Version:
Check system documentation or web interface for version information (ABB systems vary)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify system is updated beyond version 3.07.02 and test password reset functionality with weak passwords.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed authentication attempts
- Password reset requests
- Unusual administrative access patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected connections to building automation system ports
- Brute-force attack patterns
SIEM Query:
source="abb_system" AND (event_type="authentication_failure" OR event_type="password_reset")