CVE-2013-5709 in Scalance X204irt
Summary
by MITRE
The authentication implementation in the web server on Siemens SCALANCE X-200 switches with firmware before 5.0.0 does not use a sufficient source of entropy for generating values of random numbers, which makes it easier for remote attackers to hijack sessions by predicting a value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5709 affects Siemens SCALANCE X-200 industrial network switches running firmware versions prior to 5.0.0. These network devices operate within critical infrastructure environments where secure remote access is essential for system management and monitoring operations. The affected switches implement a web-based management interface that relies on session authentication mechanisms to maintain secure access to their administrative functions. This authentication system is particularly concerning given the industrial control systems context where these devices operate, as they often control critical manufacturing processes and security systems.
The core technical flaw resides in the insufficient entropy sources used during the random number generation process within the web server's authentication implementation. Random number generation is fundamental to cryptographic security operations, particularly for session token creation and authentication challenge-response mechanisms. When entropy sources are inadequate, the generated random values become predictable or susceptible to mathematical analysis, significantly weakening the security posture. This weakness directly maps to CWE-330, which specifically addresses the use of insufficiently random values in security contexts, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 related to credential access through network infrastructure manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking capabilities. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized administrative access to the affected switches, potentially compromising entire industrial networks. The predictability of authentication tokens allows adversaries to establish persistent access to critical network infrastructure without requiring legitimate credentials, making this particularly dangerous in environments where physical security measures may be limited. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the network management functions, potentially enabling attackers to modify switch configurations, disrupt network operations, or establish backdoor access points.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-5709 should prioritize immediate firmware upgrades to version 5.0.0 or later, which addresses the insufficient entropy issues in the random number generation algorithms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate these industrial switches from general network access, employ additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication, and monitor network traffic for suspicious authentication attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify other potentially affected devices and ensure proper entropy sources are implemented in all cryptographic operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust random number generation in security implementations and serves as a reminder of the unique security challenges present in industrial environments where legacy systems may not incorporate modern cryptographic best practices.