CVE-2015-1048 in SIMATIC S7 1200 Cpu
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the integrated web server on Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU devices with firmware before 4.1 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The CVE-2015-1048 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw within the integrated web server of Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU devices, specifically affecting firmware versions prior to 4.1. This vulnerability resides in the industrial control system environment where operational technology (OT) devices interface with information technology infrastructure, creating unique security implications for critical infrastructure protection. The affected devices operate within industrial automation and control systems where unauthorized access can potentially compromise physical processes and safety mechanisms. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate web server redirect functionality without proper input validation, enabling malicious redirection to arbitrary web addresses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of redirect URLs within the web server component of the SIMATIC S7-1200 CPU devices. The flaw manifests when the device processes user-supplied input that is used to construct redirect URLs, failing to properly sanitize or validate the destination parameters. This allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that contain crafted redirect targets, effectively bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the OSI model, specifically within the web server implementation that serves management interfaces to authorized users. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specially crafted web requests that include malicious redirect parameters, which the vulnerable device processes without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond traditional web application security concerns, as it directly affects industrial control systems where security is paramount for maintaining operational integrity. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct sophisticated phishing attacks against authorized personnel who may be accessing the device management interfaces. The threat landscape surrounding this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the industrial context where these devices operate, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to redirect users to malicious sites that attempt to harvest credentials or deploy malware. This creates a vector for credential theft, which could then be used to gain deeper access to the industrial network and potentially compromise physical processes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 open redirect vulnerability classification and represents a significant risk to industrial cybersecurity frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 4.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the redirect validation flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface available to remote attackers. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious redirect patterns and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other potentially vulnerable devices within the network. The remediation process must consider the operational impact on industrial processes, requiring careful planning and testing to ensure that firmware updates do not disrupt critical automation functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in industrial environments and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and initial access through web application attacks.