Critical CVE-2024-2658 Flaw in EcoStruxure: Mitigation Strategies for Windows Users

In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, even trusted industrial control systems—such as Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure—aren’t immune to vulnerabilities. Recently, an advisory detailed a critical flaw (CVE-2024-2658) in multiple EcoStruxure products. While the typical Windows user might wonder “Why should I care?”, enterprises and industrial operators often integrate Windows systems into broader control networks, making it essential to understand the risks involved, required mitigations, and best cybersecurity practices.

The Heart of the Matter: Uncontrolled Search Path Element​

The vulnerability centers on an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427) exploitation, stemming from a misconfiguration in the lmadmin.exe module of Revenera FlexNet Publisher. Specifically, earlier versions (prior to 2024 R1, or 11.19.6.0) mistakenly allow the OpenSSL configuration file to load from a non-existent directory. This may sound minor, but here’s what makes it concerning:

• Local Privilege Escalation: An attacker with low-level access (and local authentication) can create the missing directory and drop a malicious openssl.conf file.
• DLL Hijacking: Once the malicious configuration is loaded, it opens the door to executing a Dynamic-Link Library (DLL) with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the system.

For Windows users, DLL hijacking is a known concern—a weakness that attackers have exploited in the past to bypass security measures. Although this vulnerability is not remotely exploitable, its local impact can be severe if not addressed promptly.

Affected Products and Versions​

Schneider Electric has a comprehensive product suite under EcoStruxure. Notably, the vulnerability affects several of its flagship offerings:

• EcoStruxure Control Expert: Versions prior to V16.1
• EcoStruxure Process Expert: All versions are affected
• EcoStruxure OPC UA Server Expert: All versions
• EcoStruxure Control Expert Asset Link: Versions prior to V4.0 SP1
• EcoStruxure Architecture Builder: Versions prior to V7.0.18
• Vijeo Designer: Versions before V6.3SP1 HF1
• Plus, multiple other products such as EcoStruxure Machine SCADA Expert Asset Link, EcoStruxure Operator Terminal Expert, EcoStruxure Machine Expert (and its variants), and Zelio Soft 2

Each of these products, which serve critical infrastructure sectors like energy, transportation, and government services, is potentially at risk if the flaw is exploited locally.

CVSS Ratings—What Do They Mean?​

• A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 (vector: AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H) reflects that while the exploit requires local access, its impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high.
• A CVSS v4 base score of 8.5 indicates an even graver threat when evaluated under new metrics (vector: AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).

For system administrators and IT professionals managing Windows networks, these scores emphasize a substantial risk if not mitigated—especially in environments where industrial and IT systems overlap.

Mitigations and Upgrades​

Schneider Electric has issued clear guidance on remediating this vulnerability:

• EcoStruxure Control Expert: Upgrade to version V16.1 and remember to reboot your computer after installation.
• EcoStruxure Architecture Builder: Upgrade to version V7.0.18.
• EcoStruxure Control Expert Asset Link: Update to version V4.0 SP1.
• Vijeo Designer: Contact Schneider Electric Customer Support to obtain version V6.3SP1 HF1.

For products like EcoStruxure Process Expert, OPC UA Server Expert, and several others, Schneider Electric is working on a remediation plan. In the interim, administrators are advised to:

• Limit user privileges: Implement strict User Account Control and restrict access.
• Enforce network segmentation: Place control system networks behind robust firewalls and isolate them from business networks.
• Harden system endpoints: Follow workstation, network, and site-hardening guidelines uniformly across the organization.

Broader Cybersecurity Best Practices​

The advisory doesn’t stop at product-specific remedies. It draws attention to industry-wide cybersecurity measures vital for both operational technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems, including those running on Windows:

• Isolate Critical Networks: Ensure that control systems, SCADA networks, and industrial devices are segregated from the broader business Internet.
• Physical Security Controls: Limit physical access to hardware—place controllers in locked cabinets and avoid leaving systems in “Program” mode.
• Controlled Removable Media Use: Apply stringent controls when using USB drives or other mobile data exchangers.
• Secure Remote Access: When remote access is necessary, employ updated VPN solutions and verify connected devices are secure.

Wrapping Up​

This vulnerability, though not exploitable remotely, highlights that even well-established systems like Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure can fall prey to sophisticated local attacks. It serves as a wake-up call for IT and OT administrators alike—especially those operating within mixed environments where Windows workstations interface with industrial control systems.
For Windows users and system administrators who are already paranoid about unchecked DLL loading and privilege escalations (and rightly so), staying ahead with prompt patching and rigorous security protocols is the only way to prevent exploitation.
Have you implemented the latest updates or reviewed your system’s local access policies recently? With threats continually evolving, now is the time to dive into your patch management schedules and reassess your control system security strategy.
Stay secure, and be sure to explore more insights on Windows 11 updates, Microsoft security patches, and cutting-edge cybersecurity advisories right here at WindowsForum.com!

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Source: CISA https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-037-02