CVE-2024-13928 Overview
CVE-2024-13928 is a SQL injection vulnerability affecting ABB ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series building management products through version 3.08.03. An authenticated attacker holding compromised session administrator credentials can inject crafted SQL statements to read and modify database repositories used by the affected controllers. The flaw is tracked under CWE-94 in the National Vulnerability Database entry.
Critical Impact
Attackers with compromised administrator sessions can access and manipulate ASPECT database repositories, undermining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of building automation data.
Affected Products
- ABB ASPECT-Enterprise through 3.08.03
- ABB NEXUS Series through 3.08.03
- ABB MATRIX Series through 3.08.03
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-22 - CVE-2024-13928 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-13928
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in database query handling paths inside the ASPECT platform and its NEXUS and MATRIX derivatives. User-supplied input processed under an authenticated administrator session reaches SQL statements without proper parameterization or sanitization. An attacker who obtains valid session administrator credentials can send crafted requests that alter query semantics.
Because the ASPECT family provides building automation, HVAC control, and energy management, the affected databases store device inventory, tenant configuration, credentials, schedules, and telemetry. Manipulation of these repositories can pivot toward operational disruption of connected building systems. Exploitation requires prior credential compromise, but a single compromised administrator session yields full read and write access to the backing store.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. Input flowing from authenticated request handlers into database query construction is concatenated rather than bound as parameters. This design pattern allows attacker-controlled fragments to change query structure and reach unintended tables and rows.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based against the management interface of an ASPECT, NEXUS, or MATRIX device. The attacker must first obtain session administrator credentials through phishing, credential reuse, brute force against weak passwords, or session hijacking. Once authenticated, the attacker submits requests containing SQL metacharacters through parameters that reach vulnerable query paths. Refer to the ABB Technical Document for vendor-specific technical detail.
No public proof-of-concept exploit or exploitation-in-the-wild report is currently associated with CVE-2024-13928.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-13928
Indicators of Compromise
- Administrator session activity from unexpected source addresses or outside normal maintenance windows.
- Web server or application logs containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, UNION, SELECT, --, or ; in parameter values.
- Unexpected schema changes, new administrative accounts, or unexplained modifications to configuration tables in the ASPECT database.
- Elevated error rates from database components correlated with authenticated administrator requests.
Detection Strategies
- Enable verbose HTTP request logging on ASPECT, NEXUS, and MATRIX management interfaces and forward logs to a centralized platform for inspection.
- Deploy signature and heuristic rules that identify SQL injection payloads in query parameters and POST bodies destined for the management interface.
- Correlate administrator authentication events with subsequent database queries to identify sessions issuing anomalous query patterns.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Baseline normal administrator activity and alert on deviations in request volume, endpoint coverage, or geographic origin.
- Monitor database audit logs for schema modifications, bulk exports, or access to sensitive tables outside expected workflows.
- Track failed and successful logins against ASPECT administrator accounts to detect credential stuffing or brute-force precursors.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-13928
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series devices and identify any running version 3.08.03 or earlier.
- Rotate all session administrator credentials and enforce strong, unique passwords for every operator account.
- Restrict network reachability of the management interface to trusted administrative VLANs or jump hosts.
- Apply the vendor security update referenced in the ABB Technical Document.
Patch Information
ABB has published guidance and fixed versions through its security advisory portal. Consult the ABB Technical Document for the specific fixed release beyond 3.08.03 and follow the vendor's upgrade procedure for ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS, and MATRIX deployments.
Workarounds
- Isolate ASPECT, NEXUS, and MATRIX controllers on segmented operational technology networks with no direct internet exposure.
- Place the management interface behind a reverse proxy or web application firewall configured to block SQL injection payloads.
- Disable or remove unused administrator accounts and enforce session timeouts to reduce the window for credential misuse.
- Require multi-factor authentication or client certificates for administrative access where the platform supports it.
# Configuration example: restrict ASPECT management interface to a jump host
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.20.5 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
