CVE-2013-3633 in Scalance X204irt
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface on Siemens Scalance X200 IRT switches with firmware before X-200IRT 5.1.0 relies on client-side privilege checks, which allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2022
The Siemens Scalance X200 IRT switch represents a critical industrial network device designed for harsh environments where reliability and security are paramount. These switches are part of Siemens' industrial automation portfolio and are deployed in applications requiring robust network infrastructure for industrial control systems. The vulnerability CVE-2013-3633 specifically targets the web-based management interface of these devices, creating a significant security risk for industrial environments where network segmentation and access controls are essential for operational technology security. This flaw affects firmware versions prior to X-200IRT 5.1.0, indicating that the vulnerability was present in a substantial portion of deployed devices within industrial networks worldwide.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of client-side privilege checks within the web interface of these industrial switches. This design decision violates fundamental security principles where privilege validation should occur server-side to prevent unauthorized access to system functions. When privilege checks are performed client-side, attackers can manipulate the interface elements to bypass authentication mechanisms and escalate their privileges. The vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands on the device, meaning that an attacker who has gained access to the system through legitimate means can leverage this flaw to gain deeper system control. This particular implementation weakness creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where the system trust model is fundamentally compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution capabilities, affecting the overall security posture of industrial control systems that rely on these switches for network infrastructure. Industrial environments where these switches are deployed often contain critical infrastructure components including process control systems, safety systems, and monitoring equipment where unauthorized access could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage. The remote execution capability means that attackers can potentially compromise these systems from outside the network perimeter, making the attack surface significantly larger than typical network device vulnerabilities. This vulnerability particularly affects the integrity and availability of industrial networks, as attackers could potentially disrupt operations or gain access to sensitive operational data. The impact is amplified in environments where these switches are used in critical infrastructure applications such as power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing processes where network reliability is essential for operational continuity.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 5.1.0 or later, which would address the client-side privilege check vulnerability. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit access to these devices, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the web interface. Access controls should be strengthened with multi-factor authentication where possible, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and represents a classic example of insufficient server-side validation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and command execution capabilities, potentially enabling lateral movement within industrial networks. The security implications extend beyond immediate exploitation to include long-term network compromise where attackers could maintain persistent access to critical industrial infrastructure components.