EcoStruxureTM Machine Expert – HVAC (formerly SoMachine - HVAC)
Monitor4.3SEVD-2023-010-01Jan 10, 2023
Attack VectorNetwork
Auth RequiredNone
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary
A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC (formerly SoMachine – HVAC), a commissioning software for Modicon M171/M172 programmable logic controllers used in HVAC systems. The vulnerability allows an attacker to leak sensitive information that could be used to execute arbitrary code on the engineering workstation running the software.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker could trick an operator into opening a malicious file, causing sensitive information to be exposed and potentially allowing arbitrary code execution on the HVAC control system's engineering workstation, which could disrupt heating, cooling, or ventilation operations.
Who's at risk
HVAC system operators and building automation engineers using EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC or legacy SoMachine – HVAC to program and commission Modicon M171/M172 controllers in commercial buildings, data centers, and industrial facilities. End-of-life SoMachine – HVAC installations are at risk with no patch path available.
How it could be exploited
An attacker crafts a malicious project file and tricks a user into opening it in EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC. The buffer overflow in the application reads beyond allocated memory, leaking sensitive information. This leaked data could be used in a follow-up attack to achieve code execution on the engineering workstation that controls the M171/M172 PLCs.
Prerequisites
- User interaction required: operator must open a malicious project file in EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC
- Engineering workstation must have vulnerable software version installed
- Access to deliver malicious file to the workstation (email, USB, network share)
Remotely exploitable via file deliveryLow attack complexityRequires user interaction to open malicious fileLow EPSS score (0.3%), not actively exploitedNo fix available for legacy SoMachine HVAC product
Exploitability
Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.3%)
Affected products (2)
1 with fix1 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
SoMachine HVAC<2.1.0No fix (EOL)
EcoStruxureTM Machine Expert – HVAC<1.4.01.5.0
Remediation & Mitigation
0/3
Do now
0/1WORKAROUNDIf upgrading is not immediately possible, restrict file sources and advise operators not to open project files from untrusted sources until the patch is applied
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
HOTFIXUpgrade EcoStruxure Machine Expert – HVAC to version 1.5.0 or later
Mitigations - no patch available
0/1SoMachine HVAC has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to isolate engineering workstations from untrusted networks and limit user access to project file repositories
CVEs (1)
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API:
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