CVE-2024-48850: ASPECT Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2024-48850 Overview

CVE-2024-48850 is an absolute path traversal vulnerability affecting ABB ASPECT building automation controllers. The flaw allows authenticated network attackers to read and modify files outside intended directories on the device. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-36] Absolute Path Traversal and impacts building energy management systems widely deployed in commercial infrastructure.

The affected product lines include ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series devices running firmware through version 3.08.03. Successful exploitation can compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of controller resources.

Critical Impact
Attackers with valid high-privilege credentials can traverse absolute paths on ABB ASPECT controllers, accessing and modifying arbitrary files on the device.

Affected Products

ABB ASPECT-Enterprise through version 3.08.03
ABB NEXUS Series through version 3.08.03
ABB MATRIX Series through version 3.08.03

Discovery Timeline

2025-05-22 - CVE-2024-48850 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-48850

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the file-handling logic of ABB ASPECT, NEXUS, and MATRIX controllers. The application accepts absolute file paths in user-controllable parameters without proper validation. An authenticated attacker with high privileges on the network can supply crafted paths that reference resources outside the intended working directory.

Because the affected devices function as building automation and energy management controllers, unauthorized file access can expose configuration data, credentials, and operational logic. File modification can alter control settings, disrupt HVAC and lighting operations, or plant persistent backdoors. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be absent but does depend on privileged authentication and high attack complexity.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing sanitization of absolute file path inputs, classified as [CWE-36] Absolute Path Traversal. The application resolves supplied paths directly against the filesystem without enforcing a chroot, allowlist, or canonicalization check. Any string beginning with a filesystem root prefix bypasses directory containment expectations.

Attack Vector

Exploitation occurs over the network against the controller's management interface. The attacker must first authenticate with high privileges, then submit a request containing an absolute path parameter. The controller processes the path and returns or writes to the referenced file. Refer to the ABB security advisory for vendor-specific technical details.

No verified public proof-of-concept code is available for this issue.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-48850

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to ASPECT, NEXUS, or MATRIX management endpoints containing absolute path prefixes such as /etc/, /var/, or C:\ in query or body parameters
Unexpected file access or modification events on controller storage outside standard application directories
Authentication events from high-privilege accounts followed by anomalous file-handling API calls

Detection Strategies

Inspect controller access logs for parameter values beginning with absolute path separators or containing sensitive filesystem locations
Correlate administrative logins against subsequent file read and write operations to identify abuse of privileged sessions
Deploy network intrusion detection signatures targeting path traversal patterns directed at ASPECT, NEXUS, and MATRIX HTTP interfaces

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward controller and building automation network logs to a centralized SIEM for cross-source correlation
Baseline normal administrative activity on ASPECT devices and alert on deviations in file access frequency or scope
Monitor firmware version reporting to identify devices still running vulnerable builds at or below 3.08.03

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-48850

Immediate Actions Required

Inventory all ABB ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series controllers and confirm firmware versions
Restrict network access to controller management interfaces using firewall rules and network segmentation
Rotate high-privilege credentials on affected controllers and enforce strong authentication
Apply vendor-supplied firmware updates published in the ABB security advisory

Patch Information

ABB has released updated firmware addressing the absolute path traversal issue in ASPECT-Enterprise, NEXUS Series, and MATRIX Series products. Administrators should install versions later than 3.08.03 as directed by ABB. Consult the vendor advisory for the exact fixed release and upgrade procedure appropriate to each product line.

Workarounds

Place affected controllers behind a dedicated management VLAN accessible only from trusted engineering workstations
Disable remote administrative access from untrusted networks until firmware updates are applied
Enforce the principle of least privilege by removing unnecessary high-privilege accounts on the controllers

bash

# Example firewall restriction limiting ASPECT management access to a trusted subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.10.50.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j DROP