CVE-2015-0998 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 transmit cleartext credentials, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0998 represents a critical security flaw in Schneider Electric's industrial automation software products, specifically affecting InduSoft Web Studio and InTouch Machine Edition versions prior to 7.1.3.4 SP3 Patch 4. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials during network communication, where user credentials are transmitted in cleartext format rather than being encrypted or secured. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak credential transmission, which is classified as CWE-312 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the network protocol level where authentication mechanisms fail to employ proper encryption or security protocols for credential transmission. When users authenticate to these industrial control systems, their usernames and passwords are sent across the network without any form of cryptographic protection, making them susceptible to interception by malicious actors who can capture network traffic using standard packet sniffing tools. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of confidentiality and authentication integrity, as outlined in the NIST SP 800-53 security framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to industrial control systems that manage critical infrastructure operations. Remote attackers who can intercept network traffic can exploit this vulnerability to gain access to operational technology environments, potentially leading to system compromise, unauthorized process control modifications, or disruption of industrial processes. The attack vector requires only network access and the ability to perform packet capture operations, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where physical security may be insufficient to prevent network-based attacks.
Organizations using affected Schneider Electric products face significant risk exposure given that industrial control systems often operate in environments where network monitoring is possible through various attack vectors including unsecured wireless networks, shared network segments, or compromised insider access points. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where industrial control systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet, as these connections increase the attack surface and potential for credential interception. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment to update to versions 7.1.3.4 SP3 Patch 4 or later, implementation of network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems, and deployment of network monitoring tools to detect and prevent credential interception attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS for remote access connections and establish secure authentication practices that minimize the risk of credential exposure in network traffic. This vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and credential access phases, specifically targeting the use of network sniffing techniques for credential harvesting and subsequent lateral movement within industrial control environments.