CVE-2013-0679 in SIMATIC PCS7
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the web server in Siemens WinCC before 7.2, as used in SIMATIC PCS7 before 8.0 SP1 and other products, allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via vectors involving a query for a pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2022
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0679 affects Siemens WinCC web server components and SIMATIC PCS7 systems prior to specific patch versions. This flaw resides in the web server implementation that processes file path requests, creating an exploitable condition where authenticated remote attackers can manipulate pathname queries to access arbitrary files on the affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the web server's file access routines.
This technical weakness represents a classic directory traversal attack vector where malicious users can exploit insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input to navigate beyond intended directory boundaries. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web server component that handles pathname queries, allowing attackers to construct malicious requests that bypass normal file access controls. The flaw enables attackers to read files that should normally be restricted, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or system information. According to CWE classification, this corresponds to CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security issue in file system access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for industrial control systems environments where Siemens WinCC and SIMATIC PCS7 are deployed. Remote authenticated attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to critical system files, potentially leading to information disclosure, system compromise, or further exploitation of adjacent systems. The attack requires only authentication to the web server, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised or where insufficient network segmentation exists. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of industrial control systems, potentially affecting critical infrastructure operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-supplied patches for WinCC version 7.2 and SIMATIC PCS7 version 8.0 SP1, or equivalent security updates. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to the affected web server components, and authentication controls should be strengthened with multi-factor authentication where possible. Access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are applied, and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004: Valid Accounts, as it requires authenticated access, and T1566.001: Phishing, as initial access might occur through social engineering to obtain valid credentials. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in industrial control system environments.