CVE-2013-0677 in SIMATIC PCS7
Summary
by MITRE
The web server in Siemens WinCC before 7.2, as used in SIMATIC PCS7 before 8.0 SP1 and other products, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information or cause a denial of service via a crafted project file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0677 represents a critical security flaw within Siemens WinCC web server implementations that affected multiple industrial control systems including SIMATIC PCS7 versions prior to 8.0 SP1. This vulnerability resides in the web server component that processes project files, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through specially crafted project files. The flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with industrial control systems that process external inputs without proper validation mechanisms, particularly in environments where operational technology systems interface with corporate networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web server's project file handling mechanism. When the system processes a crafted project file, it fails to properly validate the file structure and content, allowing malicious payloads to be interpreted by the web server component. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to either extract sensitive information from the system or trigger denial of service conditions that can disrupt critical industrial processes. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the web server's functionality to process project files, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where system availability and data integrity are paramount.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0677 extends beyond simple information disclosure or service disruption to potentially compromise entire industrial control networks. In industrial control systems, the web server component often serves as a gateway for configuration management and system monitoring activities, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain deeper access to critical infrastructure. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to obtain sensitive operational data, disrupt production processes through denial of service conditions, or potentially establish persistent access points within industrial networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, significantly expanding the potential attack surface and attack vectors.
Organizations implementing affected Siemens products should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of available patches and updates to WinCC versions 7.2 and SIMATIC PCS7 8.0 SP1 or later. Security controls should include network segmentation to limit access to industrial control systems, implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious project file transfers, and regular security assessments of industrial control system components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and represents a significant concern for organizations operating under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring, access controls for project file handling, and network access controls to prevent unauthorized project file uploads that could exploit this vulnerability.