CVE-2024-51548
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2024-51548 is a dangerous unrestricted file upload vulnerability in ABB ASPECT, NEXUS, and MATRIX series products that allows attackers to upload malicious scripts. If exploited, this could lead to remote code execution, data theft, or complete system compromise. Organizations using affected ABB industrial control system products are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- ABB ASPECT - Enterprise
- ABB NEXUS Series
- ABB MATRIX Series
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system takeover with remote code execution leading to industrial process disruption, data exfiltration, or ransomware deployment across critical infrastructure.
Likely Case
Malicious script execution allowing unauthorized access, data manipulation, or lateral movement within the industrial control network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, file upload restrictions, and monitoring preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
File upload vulnerabilities typically have low exploitation complexity, especially when unauthenticated access is possible.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108469A7497&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Action=Launch
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review ABB security advisory 9AKK108469A7497. 2. Apply vendor-provided patches. 3. Restart affected systems. 4. Verify patch installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
File Upload Restriction
allImplement strict file type validation and upload restrictions at the application or network level
Network Segmentation
allIsolate affected systems from untrusted networks and implement strict firewall rules
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation and isolate affected systems from internet and untrusted networks
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) with file upload protection rules and enhanced monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system version against affected version v3.08.02 and review ABB advisory for specific vulnerability indicatorsCheck Version:
Check ABB product documentation for version verification commands specific to each product lineVerify Fix Applied:
Verify system version has been updated beyond v3.08.02 and test file upload functionality with restricted file types📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file upload activity
- Execution of unexpected script files
- Unauthorized file modifications
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected file uploads to industrial control system endpoints
- Suspicious HTTP POST requests with file attachments
SIEM Query:
source="*ABB*" AND (event="file_upload" OR event="script_execution") AND file_extension IN ("php", "asp", "jsp", "exe", "bat")