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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2023-3643 CAREL CVE debrief

A critical Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in CAREL Boss-Mini (version 1.4.0 Build 6221) allows network-adjacent attackers to access unauthorized filesystem resources including configuration files, password files, and system logs. Published June 20, 2024, this vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 (Critical) with network attack vector, low complexity, and no privileges required. The LFI technique enables read access to sensitive data that could facilitate further compromise. CAREL has released firmware version 1.6.0 to address this issue.

Vendor
CAREL
Product
Boss-Mini
CVSS
CRITICAL 9.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2024-06-20
Original CVE updated
2024-06-20
Advisory published
2024-06-20
Advisory updated
2024-06-20

Who should care

Organizations operating HVAC and building automation systems using CAREL Boss-Mini controllers, particularly in critical infrastructure environments. Security teams responsible for OT/ICS network segmentation and industrial control system hardening. Facility managers and system integrators deploying CAREL equipment who must ensure firmware maintenance cycles. Compliance officers addressing NERC CIP, IEC 62443, or similar industrial cybersecurity frameworks requiring vulnerability management for control system assets.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the web interface of CAREL Boss-Mini 1.4.0 (Build 6221), where insufficient input validation allows path traversal sequences to access files outside intended directories. An attacker present on the same network segment can craft HTTP requests containing directory traversal patterns (e.g., ../ sequences) to read arbitrary files from the device's filesystem. This includes sensitive configuration files containing credentials, system logs revealing operational patterns, and password files that may enable further authentication bypass. The attack requires no authentication and minimal technical sophistication, with network-based exploitability. The complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (per CVSS 3.1 metrics) reflects the potential for credential extraction leading to administrative access and subsequent device manipulation.

Defensive priority

Critical

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update CAREL Boss-Mini firmware to version 1.6.0 or later immediately
  • If immediate patching is not feasible, change all default login credentials and enforce strong password policies per vendor guidance
  • Deploy affected devices in segregated internal networks following CAREL security recommendations (document +030220471)
  • Review and restrict network segmentation to limit attacker lateral movement capabilities
  • Monitor for unauthorized file access attempts and anomalous authentication patterns

Evidence notes

CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-24-172-02 identifies the affected product as CAREL Boss-Mini 1.4.0 (Build 6221). The CVSS 3.1 vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H confirms network accessibility with complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. Vendor remediation guidance specifies firmware update to version 1.6.0 or later.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2023-3643 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2023-3643

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2023-3643 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-3643

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Source item URL

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cisagov/CSAF/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2024/icsa-24-172-02.json

    cisa_csaf

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-24-172-02

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/alerts/ICS-ALERT-10-301-01

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ics-recommended-practices

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cybersecurity_Best_Practices_for_Industrial_Control_Systems.pdf

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/industrial-control-systems

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://us-cert.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/recommended_practices/NCCIC_ICS-CERT_Defense_in_Depth_2016_S508C.pdf

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ics/tips/ICS-TIP-12-146-01B

    Reference

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.