PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2023-46343 Siemens CVE debrief

A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem, specifically in the `send_acknowledge` function within `net/nfc/nci/spi.c`. This flaw affects Linux kernel versions prior to 6.5.9. The vulnerability was published in the CVE database on August 12, 2025, with subsequent modifications through February 25, 2026. Siemens has identified this vulnerability as affecting certain industrial networking products running SINEC OS, including the RUGGEDCOM RST2428P and SCALANCE X-family switches. The vulnerability is classified with an impact category of 'Misinformed' in the source advisory, indicating potential for information disclosure or system instability rather than direct code execution. Organizations should consult vendor guidance for patch availability and apply kernel updates where applicable.

Vendor: Siemens
Product: RUGGEDCOM RST2428P (6GK6242-6PA00)
CVSS: Unknown
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2025-08-12
Original CVE updated: 2026-02-25
Advisory published: 2025-08-12
Advisory updated: 2026-02-25

Who should care

Organizations operating Siemens RUGGEDCOM and SCALANCE industrial networking equipment, particularly those with NFC-enabled configurations. System administrators managing Linux-based industrial control systems with NFC capabilities. Security teams responsible for kernel-level vulnerability management in operational technology environments.

Technical summary

The vulnerability resides in the `send_acknowledge` function of the NFC NCI (NFC Controller Interface) SPI driver in the Linux kernel. A NULL pointer dereference occurs when processing acknowledgment responses, potentially leading to kernel panic or system instability. The flaw affects kernel versions before 6.5.9. Siemens industrial networking products utilizing affected kernel versions in SINEC OS are impacted, including RUGGEDCOM RST2428P and select SCALANCE X-family switches. The vulnerability requires local or proximity-based NFC interaction to trigger, limiting remote exploitability in typical industrial network deployments.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

Review Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-613116 for detailed affected product versions and patch availability
Apply kernel updates to Linux 6.5.9 or later where SINEC OS or other affected distributions permit
Monitor CISA ICS advisories for additional guidance on industrial control system mitigations
Implement network segmentation for NFC-capable industrial devices where patching is not immediately feasible
Follow CISA recommended practices for defense-in-depth strategies for industrial control systems

Evidence notes

The vulnerability description is sourced from the official CVE record and CISA CSAF advisory ICSA-25-226-15. The affected product list and vendor attribution derive from Siemens ProductCERT advisory SSA-613116 as republished by CISA. Timeline information reflects the CVE publication date of 2025-08-12 and modification date of 2026-02-25, with the source advisory undergoing multiple revisions including corrections to affected products list on 2026-02-12 and 2026-02-24.

Official resources

2025-08-12