CVE-2014-5233 in SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient
Summary
by MITRE
The Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient app before 1.0.2 for iOS allows physically proximate attackers to discover Sm@rtServer credentials by leveraging an error in the credential-processing mechanism.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5233 affects the Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient application version 1.0.1 and earlier for iOS devices. This security flaw resides in the credential-processing mechanism of the mobile application that serves as a client interface for the industrial automation system. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for operational technology environments where Siemens WinCC systems are deployed, as it exposes the underlying authentication infrastructure to unauthorized access through a relatively simple attack vector that requires only physical proximity to the target device.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper handling of credential storage and retrieval within the mobile application's architecture. When the SmrtClient application processes authentication credentials for connecting to SmrtServer components, it fails to adequately secure or obfuscate the credential information during the processing cycle. This error creates a scenario where attackers can exploit the application's memory structures or communication protocols to extract authentication tokens or passwords. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the physical proximity requirement to access the iOS device, making it particularly concerning for industrial environments where mobile devices containing sensitive credentials may be left unattended in secure areas.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it represents a critical weakness in the defense-in-depth strategy for industrial control systems. When attackers can extract credentials from the Sm@rtClient application, they gain the ability to establish unauthorized connections to industrial servers and control systems, potentially leading to system compromise, data manipulation, or operational disruption. The physical proximity requirement limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk, as industrial environments often contain devices that may be left unattended in accessible locations. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as unauthorized parties can access sensitive operational data and potentially modify system configurations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a specific implementation of weak credential handling within mobile industrial applications. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access category, specifically targeting the collection of credentials through application exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices in mobile application development for industrial environments, where the security requirements are significantly higher than typical consumer applications. Organizations implementing Siemens WinCC systems should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader industrial cybersecurity posture assessment, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient.
The recommended mitigations include immediate upgrading of the Sm@rtClient application to version 1.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the credential processing flaw. Additionally, organizations should implement enhanced physical security measures for mobile devices containing industrial credentials, including secure storage when not in use and regular security assessments of mobile device management policies. Network segmentation and additional authentication layers should be considered as compensating controls to limit the impact if credentials are compromised. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of conducting thorough security reviews of mobile applications used in industrial environments, particularly those handling sensitive operational data or credentials.