CVE-2010-2772 in SIMATIC WinCC
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens Simatic WinCC and PCS 7 SCADA system uses a hard-coded password, which allows local users to access a back-end database and gain privileges, as demonstrated in the wild in July 2010 by the Stuxnet worm, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-2568.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2772 represents a critical security flaw in Siemens Simatic WinCC and PCS 7 SCADA systems that fundamentally undermines the integrity of industrial control system deployments. This weakness stems from the implementation of a hard-coded password within the software architecture, creating an inherent backdoor that persists across system installations and updates. The vulnerability was particularly significant because it was exploited by the Stuxnet worm in July 2010, marking one of the first documented cases of sophisticated malware targeting industrial control systems. The hard-coded credential mechanism violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of poor security implementation that directly enables unauthorized access to critical industrial infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests as a predetermined password embedded within the WinCC and PCS 7 software components that cannot be changed or removed through standard configuration processes. This hard-coded credential allows local users with minimal privileges to authenticate against the system's backend database and escalate their access rights to administrative levels. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and affects the authentication mechanisms that govern access to SCADA system databases. Attackers exploiting this flaw can gain complete control over industrial processes, potentially leading to system disruption, data manipulation, or operational compromise. The persistence of this hard-coded credential across system versions makes it particularly dangerous as it remains effective regardless of patching efforts or configuration changes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to manipulate critical industrial processes and potentially cause physical damage to industrial assets. The Stuxnet worm's exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrated how such flaws could be weaponized to target specific industrial infrastructure, particularly nuclear facilities and other critical manufacturing processes. The attack vector required only local system access, making it relatively easy to exploit compared to more complex network-based attacks. This vulnerability directly affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SCADA systems, potentially leading to production halts, safety incidents, or environmental damage. The widespread use of Siemens SCADA systems in critical infrastructure sectors amplifies the potential consequences of exploitation.
Organizations can mitigate this vulnerability through several defensive measures that align with established security frameworks and best practices. The primary mitigation involves implementing strict access controls and network segmentation to limit local system access to authorized personnel only, following principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should specifically target hardcoded credentials within industrial control systems, utilizing automated scanning tools designed for SCADA environments. System hardening procedures must include verification of all default credentials and their removal or replacement with strong, unique passwords. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that detect unauthorized access attempts and establishing incident response procedures specifically tailored for industrial control system security breaches provides comprehensive protection against exploitation of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework's industrial control systems tactics emphasize the importance of credential access and privilege escalation techniques that this vulnerability enables, making proactive mitigation essential for operational resilience.