CVE-2012-1800 in Scalance S
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the Profinet DCP protocol implementation on the Siemens Scalance S Security Module firewall S602 V2, S612 V2, and S613 V2 with firmware before 2.3.0.3 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (device outage) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted DCP frame.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1800 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the Profinet Device Configuration Protocol (DCP) implementation of Siemens Scalance S Security Module firewalls. This vulnerability specifically affects the S602 V2, S612 V2, and S613 V2 models operating with firmware versions prior to 2.3.0.3, creating a significant security risk in industrial control systems environments. The flaw resides in how these devices process incoming DCP frames, which are essential for device discovery and configuration within Profinet networks. The DCP protocol operates at the network layer to facilitate communication between devices and their configuration tools, making it a critical component in industrial automation infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the DCP protocol handler, where the device fails to properly check the length of incoming frame data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious DCP frame containing more data than the allocated buffer space can accommodate, causing the excess data to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability manifests through the device's failure to implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented and dangerous vulnerability pattern in embedded systems and network appliances.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enabling remote code execution on affected devices. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the firewall to crash and restart, leading to device outages that can severely disrupt industrial operations and control processes. The remote attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where network segmentation may be limited. In critical infrastructure scenarios, such as power grids, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants, this vulnerability could result in cascading failures and operational disruptions that extend far beyond the immediate device compromise. The potential for arbitrary code execution adds another layer of severity, as attackers could potentially install backdoors or modify the device's security policies to maintain persistent access to the industrial network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-1800 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions 2.3.0.3 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and network segmentation to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, utilizing the principle of least privilege to reduce attack surface. The implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed DCP frames can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual traffic patterns or device restarts that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services and T1499 Endpoint Denial of Service, requiring both preventive measures and detection capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists to restrict DCP protocol traffic to authorized management systems only, and establish regular vulnerability assessment procedures to identify similar issues in other industrial network components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the necessity of regular security updates for industrial control systems, particularly those operating in critical infrastructure environments where the consequences of exploitation can be severe and far-reaching.