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CVE-2023-38533 Siemens CVE debrief

## Summary CVE-2023-38533 is a low-severity vulnerability in Siemens TIA Administrator affecting Windows systems. The issue stems from insecure permissions on a directory used for temporary download files during the update process, allowing any authenticated Windows user to potentially disrupt software updates. ## Technical Details The vulnerability exists because the affected component creates temporary download files in a directory with overly permissive access controls. On Windows systems, this configuration allows any authenticated user—not just administrators—to interact with these temporary files. The primary risk is denial of service against the update mechanism rather than code execution or data exfiltration. The CVSS 3.1 score of 3.3 (Low) reflects the local attack vector, low attack complexity, and limited privileges required, with availability impact being the primary concern. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as none. ## Affected Product - **Vendor:** Siemens - **Product:** TIA Administrator - **Platform:** Windows ## Remediation Siemens has released an update to address this vulnerability. Users should upgrade to TIA Administrator V3 SP2 or later. As an interim mitigation, administrators can remove write permissions for non-administrative users on files and folders located under the TIA Administrator installation path. ## Timeline - **Published:** June 11, 2024 (CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-24-165-03 and Siemens security advisory SSA-319319) This vulnerability was disclosed through coordinated disclosure between Siemens and CISA.

Vendor
Siemens
Product
TIA Administrator
CVSS
LOW 3.3
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2024-06-11
Original CVE updated
2024-06-11
Advisory published
2024-06-11
Advisory updated
2024-06-11

Who should care

Organizations running Siemens TIA Administrator on Windows systems, particularly in industrial and manufacturing environments where update integrity is critical for operational technology security.

Technical summary

The affected component creates temporary download files in a directory with insecure permissions on Windows systems. Any authenticated attacker can leverage this to disrupt the software update process, resulting in a denial-of-service condition for updates. The vulnerability does not allow code execution or data access.

Defensive priority

low

Recommended defensive actions

  • Upgrade Siemens TIA Administrator to V3 SP2 or later version
  • As interim mitigation, remove write permissions for non-administrative users on files and folders under the TIA Administrator installation path
  • Apply principle of least privilege to installation directories for industrial control system software
  • Monitor for unauthorized modifications to TIA Administrator installation directories

Evidence notes

Vulnerability details sourced from CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-24-165-03 and Siemens security advisory SSA-319319. CVSS vector confirms local attack vector with availability impact only.

Official resources

Coordinated disclosure between Siemens and CISA, published June 11, 2024