CVE-2015-0996 in InduSoft Web Studio
Summary
by MITRE
Schneider Electric InduSoft Web Studio before 7.1.3.4 SP3 Patch 4 and InTouch Machine Edition 2014 before 7.1.3.4 SP3 Patch 4 rely on a hardcoded cleartext password to control read access to Project files and Project Configuration files, which makes it easier for local users to obtain sensitive information by discovering this password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2017
This vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric InduSoft Web Studio and InTouch Machine Edition software versions prior to specific patch releases, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial control system configurations. The flaw stems from the implementation of a hardcoded cleartext password within the software's access control mechanisms for project files and configuration data. This design decision violates fundamental security principles by embedding authentication credentials directly into the application code rather than implementing proper dynamic authentication or encryption-based access controls.
The technical nature of this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface for local users who can exploit the hardcoded password to gain unauthorized read access to sensitive project files and configuration data. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations, and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage that enables privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application level within industrial automation environments, where project files often contain proprietary process control logic, system configurations, and operational parameters that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to critical industrial control system configurations that could be used to understand system architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and potentially manipulate control processes. Local users with access to the system can leverage this hardcoded password to extract sensitive information from project files, which may include process parameters, control logic, security configurations, and other operational data that could compromise industrial process integrity and safety. This access could enable attackers to develop more sophisticated attacks against the industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patches, specifically SP3 Patch 4 for both InduSoft Web Studio and InTouch Machine Edition 2014 versions. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit local user privileges, conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of industrial control systems, and establish proper credential management practices that eliminate hardcoded passwords from software implementations. The remediation process should include verification that the hardcoded password has been properly removed and replaced with secure authentication mechanisms that align with industrial security standards such as those defined by NIST and IEC 62443. Additionally, organizations should perform regular security audits of their industrial control system software to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credential vulnerabilities that may exist in legacy systems.