CVE-2024-10083: Schneider Electric Uni-Telway Driver Vulnerability Analysis

Below is an in-depth analysis of the recent vulnerability discovered in Schneider Electric’s Uni-Telway Driver, an issue that could have implications for Windows-based engineering and control systems.

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Overview​

Schneider Electric has issued a security advisory about its Uni-Telway Driver, a component used in several of its industrial control products. The vulnerability involves an issue with improper input validation (CWE-20), meaning that when a driver interface is called locally with crafted input, it can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. Although this vulnerability is not exploitable remotely, the potential impact on engineering workstations—many of which run on Windows—should not be overlooked.
Key details include:

• Vendor: Schneider Electric
• Equipment: Uni-Telway Driver (including integrations in Control Expert, Process Expert, and related platforms)
• Vulnerability: Improper Input Validation (CWE-20)
• Severity:
  • CVSS v3 base score: 5.5
  • CVSS v4 base score: 6.8
• Attack Complexity: Low
• Affected Countries: Worldwide, specifically impacting sectors such as commercial facilities, critical manufacturing, and energy

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Technical Breakdown​

Vulnerability Specifics​

The vulnerability—registered as CVE-2024-10083—relates to insufficient input validation within the driver interface. In a Windows environment, where engineering workstations might host Schneider Electric’s control systems software, an authenticated user with access could inadvertently trigger a DoS condition. Here’s a closer look at the technical details:

• Improper Input Validation (CWE-20):
  The driver fails to correctly handle unexpected or malformed inputs. When a specifically crafted input is passed to the driver interface, it may trigger a crash or freeze, ultimately causing a disruption of service for the workstation.
• Severity Assessment:
  Two CVSS scoring methods have been applied:
  • CVSS v3: With a score of 5.5, indicating moderate risk under certain deployment configurations.
  • CVSS v4: A score of 6.8 demonstrates slightly increased severity when accounting for additional factors such as the ease of local attack and access considerations.
• Potential Impact:
  Successful exploitation could lead to a denial of service, affecting access and operation of critical control systems on engineering workstations. Although remote exploitation is ruled out, the local nature means that anyone with authenticated access is a potential risk vector.

Affected Installations and Platforms​

The advisory lists all installations of the Uni-Telway Driver as impacted, including:

• All versions of the standalone Uni-Telway Driver.
• Driver integrations in:
  • EcoStruxure Control Expert
  • EcoStruxure Process Expert
  • EcoStruxure Process Expert for AVEVA System Platform
  • OPC Factory Server

For Windows users running these products, especially in industrial environments, this vulnerability serves as a reminder to review installed components and their security postures.

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Mitigation Strategies​

Schneider Electric has provided practical mitigation steps to reduce risk. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended defenses that Windows users and industrial system administrators should consider:

1. Use Application Control Solutions:
   • Schneider Electric recommends the McAfee Application and Change Control software. This tool can help enforce policies and provide an extra layer of protection against unauthorized input or malicious attempts to trigger the vulnerability.
2. Follow Hardening Guidelines:
   • Adhere to the workstation, network, and site-hardening guidelines provided in the Schneider Electric Recommended Cybersecurity Best Practices document.
   • For organizations running the vulnerable driver unnecessarily, consider uninstalling the Uni-Telway Driver. Notably, EcoStruxure Control Expert version 16.1 has removed the driver by default, reducing risk by design.
3. Network Segmentation and Remote Access Controls:
   • Minimize the network exposure of control systems by ensuring that they are not accessible from the Internet.
   • Position control networks behind dedicated firewalls and isolate them from general business networks.
   • If remote access is required, employ secure methods such as VPNs, ensuring that the VPN solutions used are up-to-date and that connected devices comply with modern security standards.
4. Stay Informed:
   • Regularly review security notifications from Schneider Electric and subscribe to their security notification service. This ensures that your organization receives timely updates on any further patches or additional risk mitigation advice.

By implementing these measures, system administrators can significantly reduce the risk posed by this vulnerability, ensuring that even if a local attacker attempts exploitation, the overall impact on operational continuity is minimized.

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Broader Implications for Windows-Based Industrial Systems​

Relevance to Windows Workstations​

Many industrial control systems run on Windows platforms due to their robust support for engineering and process control applications. This vulnerability is particularly concerning where Schneider Electric’s products are used in tandem with Windows operating systems because:

• Engineering and Operational Continuity:
  A DoS condition on a Windows-based engineering workstation could disrupt system design, updates, or real-time monitoring tasks. In industrial processes, even a short-lived interruption can cause significant operational delays or safety risks.
• Patch and Update Management:
  Windows users managing their systems need to be vigilant in applying not only Microsoft security patches but also firmware and software updates from third-party vendors like Schneider Electric. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of a comprehensive security patch management strategy.

Security Best Practices in Industrial Environments​

This incident underscores a broader trend: while many discussions around cybersecurity often focus on remote exploits, vulnerabilities stemming from local system errors or improper validation are equally dangerous. For Windows administrators, additional best practices include:

• Regular Vulnerability Scanning:
  Incorporate vulnerability assessments into your routine IT hygiene, ensuring that all installed applications—especially those interfacing directly with hardware and control systems—are rigorously tested and updated.
• Implementing Defense-in-Depth:
  Employ layered security measures—from application-level controls to network segmentation—to buffer against potential exploitation vectors. This approach not only minimizes risk but also improves overall system resilience.
• User Education and Training:
  Educate users on the potential risks involved with locally authenticated sessions. Sometimes, well-meaning actions can inadvertently lead to exposure if proper input validation is not trusted by system operators.

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Concluding Thoughts​

The Schneider Electric Uni-Telway Driver vulnerability serves as a critical reminder for all Windows-based systems in industrial control environments: security is a multi-layered challenge. The improper input validation issue, although not remotely exploitable, highlights the dangers lurking within poorly validated interfaces on essential software.
By carefully implementing recommended mitigations—such as utilizing robust application control solutions, following stringent hardening guidelines, and maintaining strict network segmentation—administrators can safeguard their systems against potential disruptions. As vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-10083 remind us, proactive defense is key to maintaining uninterrupted, secure operations in our increasingly digital industrial infrastructure.
For Windows users responsible for managing engineering workstations, this vulnerability is a wake-up call: always stay vigilant, regularly review installed software components, and never underestimate the importance of layered cybersecurity measures.

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This comprehensive analysis is intended to guide IT professionals in understanding and mitigating the risks associated with the Schneider Electric vulnerability, ensuring the security and continuity of critical Windows-based industrial systems.

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Source: CISA Schneider Electric Uni-Telway Driver | CISA