PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2023-2124 Siemens CVE debrief

CVE-2023-2124 is an out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability in the Linux kernel's XFS file system, specifically triggered when a user restores an XFS image after a failure with a dirty log journal. The flaw was published on June 11, 2024, and last modified on July 9, 2024. Siemens has identified this vulnerability as affecting its TIM 1531 IRC industrial communication modules, including the SIPLUS TIM 1531 IRC (6AG1543-1MX00-7XE0) and TIM 1531 IRC (6GK7543-1MX00-0XE0) variants. The vulnerability allows a local attacker to crash the system or potentially escalate privileges, with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (HIGH). The attack vector is local, requiring low attack complexity and low privileges, with no user interaction needed. Siemens has released firmware version V2.4.8 or later to address this vulnerability. Organizations operating affected industrial control systems should prioritize patching, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Vendor: Siemens
Product: SIPLUS TIM 1531 IRC (6AG1543-1MX00-7XE0)
CVSS: HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2024-02-13
Original CVE updated: 2024-02-13
Advisory published: 2024-02-13
Advisory updated: 2024-02-13

Who should care

Organizations operating Siemens TIM 1531 IRC industrial communication modules in manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure environments. System administrators responsible for industrial control system security, OT security teams, and asset owners with Siemens S7-1500 PLC installations using TIM 1531 IRC for remote communication.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the XFS file system's handling of dirty log journal recovery. When restoring an XFS image after a failure, improper bounds checking leads to out-of-bounds memory access. This is exploitable by a local user with low privileges and can result in denial of service through system crashes or privilege escalation to root. The attack requires local access but no user interaction. Affected Siemens products use embedded Linux systems where this kernel vulnerability may be present in firmware versions prior to V2.4.8.

Defensive priority

high

Recommended defensive actions

Update affected Siemens TIM 1531 IRC devices to firmware version V2.4.8 or later as specified in the vendor security advisory
Apply defense-in-depth strategies for industrial control systems per CISA recommended practices
Restrict local access to affected systems to authorized personnel only
Monitor for anomalous system crashes or privilege escalation attempts on affected devices
Review and validate backup and recovery procedures for XFS file system operations
Consult Siemens support resources for detailed installation guidance

Evidence notes

Vulnerability description and affected products confirmed through CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-24-165-06, which references Siemens security advisory SSA-337522. Vendor fix specified as update to V2.4.8 or later.

Official resources

2024-06-11