CVE-2013-0655 in Software Update Utility
Summary
by MITRE
The client in Schneider Electric Software Update (SESU) Utility 1.0.x and 1.1.x does not ensure that updates have a valid origin, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof updates, and consequently execute arbitrary code, by modifying the data stream on TCP port 80.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0655 resides within the Schneider Electric Software Update (SESU) Utility version 1.0.x and 1.1.x, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of software update mechanisms. This issue specifically affects the client-side component of the utility, which is responsible for receiving and processing software updates from remote servers. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of update origins, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the update process without proper authentication or verification measures. The vulnerability operates at the network level, targeting TCP port 80 which is commonly used for HTTP communications, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages standard web protocols that are often less scrutinized for security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a man-in-the-middle attack scenario where an attacker positioned between the client and update server can intercept and modify network traffic without detection. The client application fails to implement proper certificate validation or digital signature verification mechanisms, allowing attackers to present forged update packages that appear legitimate to the vulnerable client. This weakness directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues including the absence of proper validation of cryptographic signatures and certificates. The attack vector specifically targets the update channel, exploiting the trust relationship that exists between the client and server, and represents a classic case of credential stuffing or trust exploitation in network communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain persistent control over affected systems through unauthorized software modifications. When successfully exploited, the malicious updates can install backdoors, modify system configurations, or deploy additional malware payloads that persist across system reboots. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments where Schneider Electric products are commonly deployed, as it could potentially compromise operational technology networks and lead to significant disruption of services. The attack requires minimal sophistication to execute, making it a high-risk vulnerability that could be exploited by both skilled attackers and automated malware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0655 should focus on implementing proper cryptographic validation mechanisms and network security controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to update streams. Organizations should deploy network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns on TCP port 80 and implement certificate pinning or other forms of update origin verification. The remediation process requires immediate patching of affected SESU Utility versions, as well as network segmentation to isolate update servers from general network traffic. Security controls should align with NIST SP 800-53 requirements for secure configuration management and cryptographic key management, ensuring that update mechanisms maintain integrity through proper digital signatures and certificate validation. Additionally, implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure update mechanisms and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for Indicator Removal on Host and T1555.003 for Credentials from Password Stores, as attackers could use compromised update channels to establish persistent access and extract system credentials.