CVE-2014-3260 in 1000 CCI
Summary
by MITRE
Pacom 1000 CCU and RTU GMS devices allow remote attackers to spoof the controller-to-base data stream by leveraging improper use of cryptography.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3260 affects Pacom 1000 CCU and RTU GMS devices, which are industrial control systems used in critical infrastructure environments. These devices operate within the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) ecosystem, serving as communication controllers that facilitate data exchange between field devices and central control systems. The flaw resides in the cryptographic implementation used for securing controller-to-base data streams, creating a significant security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers without physical access or authentication credentials. This vulnerability specifically targets the integrity protection mechanisms that should ensure data authenticity and prevent unauthorized modifications during transmission.
The technical implementation flaw involves improper use of cryptographic primitives within the communication protocol stack of these industrial devices. The vulnerability stems from weak cryptographic practices that allow attackers to manipulate or forge data packets transmitted between controllers and base stations. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in cryptographic implementation where the system fails to properly implement authentication mechanisms. The improper cryptographic usage enables attackers to construct valid-looking data packets that appear to originate from legitimate controllers, effectively bypassing security controls designed to detect unauthorized data modifications. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for credential harvesting, as it enables unauthorized data manipulation and potential privilege escalation through forged communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns, as it can compromise the entire industrial control system's operational safety and security. Remote attackers can manipulate critical control data, potentially causing equipment malfunctions, process disruptions, or safety hazards in industrial environments. The ability to spoof controller-to-base communications means that malicious actors could alter commands sent to field devices, modify operational parameters, or inject false status information that could lead to incorrect operational decisions. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet, as it removes the security boundary that would otherwise protect against such attacks. The threat is amplified in critical infrastructure sectors including power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing facilities where operational continuity and safety are paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3260 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these industrial control systems from general corporate networks, reducing the attack surface available to remote adversaries. Cryptographic updates should be prioritized, including the implementation of stronger authentication mechanisms and proper cryptographic protocol usage that prevents packet forgery. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous data patterns that might indicate spoofing attempts, while regular security assessments should verify the integrity of communication channels. The solution approach aligns with NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security and follows the ATT&CK framework's recommendations for protecting industrial control systems. Additionally, vendors should be encouraged to provide firmware updates that address the cryptographic implementation flaws, while organizations should maintain comprehensive incident response procedures that account for potential manipulation of control system communications.