CVE-2012-1799 in Scalance S
Summary
by MITRE
The web server on the Siemens Scalance S Security Module firewall S602 V2, S612 V2, and S613 V2 with firmware before 2.3.0.3 does not limit the rate of authentication attempts, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack on the administrative password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The Siemens Scalance S Security Module firewall series represents a critical component in industrial control systems and network security infrastructure, particularly within operational technology environments where robust authentication mechanisms are essential for maintaining system integrity. These devices, specifically the S602 V2, S612 V2, and S613 V2 models, are designed to provide network segmentation and security services for industrial environments, making them attractive targets for cyber adversaries seeking unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-1799 stems from a fundamental flaw in the authentication implementation that directly impacts the security posture of these industrial firewalls.
The technical flaw manifests as the complete absence of rate limiting mechanisms within the web server component of the affected Siemens devices. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authentication rate limiting as classified by CWE-307, which specifically addresses weaknesses where systems fail to implement proper controls to prevent automated brute-force attacks. The lack of authentication attempt throttling allows remote attackers to rapidly submit multiple authentication requests without encountering any protective measures such as account lockout mechanisms, temporary delays, or connection limiting. This absence of protective controls creates an environment where attackers can systematically test password combinations at an unprecedented rate, effectively neutralizing any password strength benefits that might otherwise provide security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, particularly within industrial control system environments where these devices often protect critical infrastructure components. Attackers can leverage this weakness to conduct systematic brute-force attacks against the administrative password, potentially gaining full control over the firewall configuration and subsequently compromising the entire network segment it protects. The vulnerability affects firmware versions prior to 2.3.0.3, indicating that Siemens was aware of the issue and provided a fix, but many installations remained unpatched. This scenario creates a significant risk for organizations that have legacy industrial systems where firmware updates are difficult to implement due to operational constraints, safety considerations, or lack of proper change management processes.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics and techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access phase, specifically targeting the use of brute force techniques against network devices. The vulnerability enables adversaries to move laterally within industrial networks, potentially escalating privileges and accessing sensitive operational data or disrupting critical processes. The impact is particularly severe in environments where these firewalls serve as the primary security boundary between different network zones, as unauthorized access could lead to complete network compromise. Organizations implementing these devices in critical infrastructure settings face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access or specialized equipment, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors including nation-state actors, cybercriminal organizations, and individual hackers.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve immediate firmware updates to version 2.3.0.3 or later, which contain the necessary rate limiting controls to prevent brute-force attacks. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting administrative access to specific IP addresses, implementing network segmentation, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in industrial environments where security controls may be insufficient due to legacy system constraints, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs specifically tailored for operational technology environments.