CVE-2014-5412 in SCADA Expert ClearSCADA
Summary
by MITRE
Schneider Electric StruxureWare SCADA Expert ClearSCADA 2010 R3 through 2014 R1 allows remote attackers to read database records by leveraging access to the guest account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5412 affects Schneider Electric StruxureWare SCADA Expert ClearSCADA versions ranging from 2010 R3 through 2014 R1. This represents a significant security weakness within industrial control systems that could enable unauthorized access to critical operational data. The flaw specifically exploits the guest account functionality within the ClearSCADA platform, which is designed for limited user access but in this case provides insufficient security controls to prevent data exfiltration. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference as outlined in CWE-639, where the system fails to properly validate user permissions before granting access to database resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the ClearSCADA application. When a remote attacker gains access to the guest account, they can leverage this compromised access point to navigate the database structure and extract sensitive information without proper authorization. The guest account, which should typically provide minimal privileges, contains sufficient permissions to read database records, creating a pathway for data reconnaissance and potential system compromise. This issue demonstrates poor privilege separation and inadequate authentication enforcement that violates fundamental security principles. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers legitimate credentials gained through phishing or other means, as the guest account access represents an unauthorized credential that can be exploited for data access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass potential operational technology disruption and industrial espionage. Attackers could extract sensitive operational data including system configurations, user credentials, and process information that could be used for further attacks or to understand the industrial control environment. This access could enable attackers to identify system weaknesses, map network topology, and develop more sophisticated attack strategies against the broader industrial control infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects critical infrastructure sectors including energy, water, and manufacturing where ClearSCADA systems are commonly deployed, making the potential consequences severe and far-reaching. Organizations relying on these systems face increased risk of operational disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential safety hazards if attack vectors are successfully exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5412 should focus on immediate remediation through vendor-provided patches and updates. Organizations must ensure that all ClearSCADA installations are updated to versions that address the guest account access controls and implement proper authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate SCADA systems from general corporate networks, reducing the attack surface available to remote adversaries. Access controls should be strictly enforced using role-based access control models that limit guest account privileges to absolute minimum necessary. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized accounts exist and that all access controls function as intended. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that detect unusual database access patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that patch implementations do not disrupt critical industrial operations while addressing the underlying authentication and authorization weaknesses that enabled this vulnerability.