CVE-2013-4652 in Scalance W788-1pro
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the command-line management interface on Siemens Scalance W7xx devices with firmware before 4.5.4 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary code via a (1) SSH or (2) TELNET connection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4652 affects Siemens Scalance W7xx industrial network devices, specifically targeting their command-line management interface. These devices operate within critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount, making this flaw particularly concerning for operational technology systems. The affected firmware versions prior to 4.5.4 contain a security weakness that undermines the authentication mechanisms protecting these industrial control systems. The vulnerability exists in the management interface design, which fails to properly validate authentication credentials when establishing remote connections through standard network protocols.
The technical flaw manifests through two primary attack vectors that exploit weaknesses in the device's authentication framework. Attackers can leverage either Secure Shell (SSH) or Telnet connections to bypass the intended security controls and gain unauthorized access to the system. This vulnerability represents a critical design flaw in the authentication implementation where the system does not adequately verify user credentials or maintain proper session controls. The flaw allows remote exploitation without requiring physical access or specialized equipment, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such devices may be exposed to external networks. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests the exact technical mechanism of the authentication bypass remains undocumented in the public record, though the impact is clearly significant.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution capabilities. Once authenticated, an attacker can execute malicious commands on the device, potentially leading to complete system control, data manipulation, or disruption of industrial processes. This vulnerability directly affects the integrity and availability of industrial control systems, which are fundamental to critical infrastructure operations. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this weakness from anywhere on the internet, without requiring proximity to the physical device or knowledge of internal network structures. The implications for industrial security are severe as these devices often control critical processes in manufacturing, energy, and other essential services.
Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to version 4.5.4 or later to address this vulnerability, as the affected devices represent a significant risk to operational technology environments. Security teams must also consider network segmentation strategies to limit access to these devices, implementing strict firewall rules and access controls to prevent unauthorized connections. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current firmware versions in industrial environments, as outdated systems often contain known security weaknesses that attackers actively exploit. Mitigation strategies should include network monitoring to detect unusual connection patterns and authentication attempts, as well as implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms where possible. This vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack technique framework, particularly those related to credential compromise and remote code execution in industrial control systems. The flaw also represents a weakness that could be exploited to establish persistent access within industrial networks, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks targeting operational technology infrastructure.