Hitachi Energy MACH PS700 Vulnerability: CVE-2023-28388 Details and Mitigations

Hitachi Energy MACH PS700 Vulnerability: Uncontrolled Search Path Threat​

A freshly released advisory has spotlighted a vulnerability in Hitachi Energy’s MACH PS700 v2 system—one that cybersecurity experts and industrial control system (ICS) operators should take seriously. This vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2023-28388 and associated with a CVSS v3 base score of 6.7, roots in an uncontrolled search path element issue that, if exploited, could allow an attacker to escalate privileges via local access. Let’s break down what this means and why you should care.

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Executive Summary​

• Vendor: Hitachi Energy
• Equipment: MACH PS700 (affected version: v2)
• Vulnerability Type: Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427)
• CVSS v3 Score: 6.7
• Advisory Source: Hitachi Energy PSIRT, reported to CISA

The advisory highlights a critical misconfiguration in the search paths used by certain Intel® Chipset Device Software versions before 10.1.19444.8378. This oversight could potentially enable local authenticated users to escalate privileges and compromise system integrity. While not remotely exploitable, the risk to industrial environments—especially within the energy sector—is clear.
Summary: In industrial control systems like the MACH PS700, a misconfigured search path can inadvertently allow unauthorized code execution, potentially letting an attacker take full control of the affected software.

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Technical Overview​

What is an Uncontrolled Search Path Element?​

In software operations, a controlled search path is essential for determining where executable files are located. An uncontrolled search path element arises when a directory in this search order isn’t properly secured. In this case, the vulnerability affects the Intel® chipset device software integrated within the MACH PS700 system.

• Impact: An attacker who has local access—and meets the high attack complexity requirements—could manipulate the search path. This manipulation might allow them to execute arbitrary code under elevated privileges.
• Scope: The vulnerability particularly affects systems running the affected version on MACH PS700 v2. Despite the seemingly contained environment, the potential forPrivilege Escalation in critical infrastructure sectors is substantial.

Why it Matters for Windows and ICS Operators​

Even if you primarily navigate the Windows ecosystem, many industrial environments run hybrid networks where ICS devices interface with Windows servers and management consoles. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that:

• Industrial cybersecurity is intertwined with IT security: A breach in an industrial system can ripple into business networks.
• ICS vendors must coordinate closely with IT departments: Regular updates and patch management are essential to avoid exploitation in critical systems.

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Risk Evaluation​

Assessing the Threat​

The vulnerability’s CVSS v3 base score of 6.7 indicates a moderate risk level, particularly in terms of potential data integrity, confidentiality, and system availability impacts:

• Privilege Escalation: If an attacker manipulates the search path, they may escalate their privileges, which directly jeopardizes system security.
• Attack Complexity: The complexity is high, suggesting that exploitation is not straightforward. However, attackers with local access and insider knowledge could exploit the vulnerability under the right conditions.
• Critical Impact on Energy Infrastructure: Given that this vulnerability affects systems deployed worldwide in the energy sector, the stakes are high; even a targeted attack could lead to significant disruptions.

Rhetorical Reflection: Could a seemingly minor misconfiguration in a device’s search path cause a domino effect in industrial cybersecurity? The current advisory underscores that even controlled environments are not immune to vulnerabilities.

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Mitigation and Remediation Strategies​

Immediate Remediation​

Hitachi Energy has provided specific countermeasures for users of the MACH PS700 v2 system:

• Patch Application: Install the patch scripts designed to safely remove the vulnerable software components. Because individual implementations vary, organizations are advised to consult their local account teams for tailored remediation strategies.

Best Practices to Strengthen Defenses​

To further mitigate potential risks, consider the following CISA-backed recommendations for securing industrial control systems:

• Minimize Network Exposure: Ensure that all control systems and associated network devices are not directly accessible from the Internet.
• Isolate Critical Networks: Place ICS devices behind firewalls and segregate them from business networks. This limits potential lateral movement for any attacker that might gain local access.
• Implement Secure Remote Access: When remote management is essential, use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with robust, up-to-date security measures. However, remember that VPNs themselves must be monitored and continuously updated.
• Conduct Regular Impact Assessments: Before applying any patches or implementing new security measures, perform a comprehensive risk assessment to understand potential impacts on operations.

Quick Tips for Administrators:

• Review Patch Notes: Always check for vendor-specific advisories.
• Audit System Configurations: Regularly verify that search paths and similar configurations comply with strict security policies.
• Stay Informed: Follow industry advisories from CISA and similar agencies for ongoing updates.

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Broader Implications for Industrial Cybersecurity​

This vulnerability in the MACH PS700 v2 system is a stark reminder that while IT systems like Windows and related infrastructures continue to evolve, industrial control systems (ICS) remain high-value targets for attackers. The energy sector, in particular, must contend with the dual challenges of operational efficiency and cybersecurity defense.

• Integration of IT and OT Security: The gap between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is narrowing. Cybersecurity advisories like this one emphasize the critical need for integrated security strategies.
• Regulatory Pressure and Compliance: With heightened regulatory scrutiny on energy and industrial sectors, adherence to recommended cybersecurity practices is not just a technical requirement but also a compliance imperative.

Historical Parallels: Past vulnerabilities in search path elements have shown that even seemingly minor misconfigurations can have far-reaching consequences, from unauthorized access to system-wide compromise. In today’s interconnected world, securing every element of your infrastructure is paramount.

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Conclusion​

The newly disclosed uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in the Hitachi Energy MACH PS700 v2 system—documented as CVE-2023-28388—underscores the persistent risks facing industrial control systems. Although the vulnerability is not remotely exploitable, its potential to enable local privilege escalation poses significant concerns for environments where operational uptime and security are intertwined.
For Windows system administrators and ICS operators alike, the key takeaways are:

• Vigilance and Proactive Patching: Rapidly execute vendor recommendations and patch management processes.
• Network Segmentation: Maintain rigorous network segmentation protocols to mitigate lateral movement in case of a breach.
• Holistic Cybersecurity Integration: Ensure that industrial and IT security initiatives are aligned to safeguard critical infrastructure.

By staying informed and adopting robust security protocols, organizations can navigate these challenges and uphold the integrity of their systems. As the saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link—ensuring every component is secure is essential in today’s cybersecurity landscape.
Stay safe and keep your systems updated.