CVE-2012-3034 in SIMATIC PCS7
Summary
by MITRE
WebNavigator in Siemens WinCC 7.0 SP3 and earlier, as used in SIMATIC PCS7 and other products, allows remote attackers to discover a username and password via crafted parameters to unspecified methods in ActiveX controls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3034 affects Siemens WinCC 7.0 SP3 and earlier versions, specifically within the WebNavigator component that is integral to SIMATIC PCS7 and related industrial automation products. This issue represents a critical security flaw in industrial control systems where the WebNavigator component exposes ActiveX controls that are susceptible to manipulation through crafted parameters. The vulnerability exists in the way these ActiveX controls process input parameters, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure that could compromise the security posture of industrial environments.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of user input within unspecified methods of ActiveX controls embedded in the WebNavigator functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable ActiveX methods, result in the disclosure of stored username and password credentials. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws, specifically related to credential exposure through improper input validation and parameter handling. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial control environments where authentication credentials are essential for system access and operational security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical information disclosure scenarios, as it directly affects the security of industrial automation systems that are critical to manufacturing and process control operations. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to authentication credentials, potentially enabling them to compromise entire industrial control networks. The implications are severe in environments where operational technology (OT) systems are connected to corporate networks, as these credentials could be used to escalate privileges or gain access to additional system resources. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under credential access techniques, specifically targeting the extraction of stored credentials from compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3034 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Siemens WinCC installations to the latest available service packs and updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general corporate networks, reducing the attack surface available to remote adversaries. Additionally, disabling unnecessary ActiveX controls and implementing strict input validation measures can help prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and parameter validation in industrial software components, aligning with CWE guidelines for secure coding practices in industrial control systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual parameter patterns in ActiveX control interactions, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in industrial automation software. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of credential exposure in case of successful exploitation.