Description

Cybersecurity researchers have found important weaknesses in human-machine interface (HMI) devices made by Novakon, a company from Taiwan that is part of iBASE Technology. These HMIs are used a lot in industrial control systems (ICS) and are present in 18 countries. They can be attacked from a distance, allowing hackers to run harmful code and steal information. A report from CyberDanube says the problems include a type of overflow that lets attackers run any code they want with full access, issues that let them find sensitive files, and poor login protection. These weaknesses can be taken advantage of from far away without needing passwords, which raises big security worries. The primary issue with these threats is that good software security maintenance and control do not exist with this vendor. CyberDanube's audit not only uncovered technical issues, such as excessive permissions and absent protective layers in procedures, but also organizational problems. Despite numerous attempts to contact Novakon with extensive vulnerability reports, there has not been a response and no security patches have been issued by the company. This inactivity leaves thousands of valuable systems vulnerable, and those utilized in critical infrastructure or industrial applications most of all. To reduce the risk, users of Novakon HMIs must promptly check how they have been installed. Where practical, these products must be taken out of access to the internet, kept under observation for unusual traffic, and safeguarded through added network security. Until patches can be issued, those who have an interest in these systems must apply short-term mitigation and, as needed, explore substitute products possessing ongoing security support. Commercial entities operating in this ICS sector must move promptly in order to continue to protect critical operations and infrastructure.