CVE-2015-1049 in Scalance X-200
Summary
by MITRE
The web server on Siemens SCALANCE X-200IRT switches with firmware before 5.2.0 allows remote attackers to hijack sessions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The Siemens SCALANCE X-200IRT switch represents a critical network infrastructure device used in industrial environments for secure communication and network management. These switches are specifically designed for harsh industrial conditions and are commonly deployed in manufacturing facilities, process automation systems, and critical infrastructure environments where reliable network connectivity is essential. The vulnerability identified in firmware versions prior to 5.2.0 affects the web server component that provides remote management capabilities, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these industrial network devices. This vulnerability impacts the fundamental security posture of industrial control systems where network access controls and authentication mechanisms are paramount.
The technical flaw within the web server implementation stems from inadequate session management mechanisms that allow remote attackers to hijack active user sessions without proper authentication. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may involve weaknesses in session token generation, validation, or transmission protocols that enable attackers to predict, capture, or manipulate session identifiers. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of session management flaws that are commonly classified as CWE-384, which specifically addresses session fixation and related issues in web applications. The vulnerability exists in the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the web interface that is typically used for configuring and managing the switch settings, providing attackers with unauthorized access to network management functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to gain complete administrative control over the affected switches. This level of access allows threat actors to modify network configurations, implement malicious network policies, disrupt communications, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks. The implications are particularly severe in industrial control systems where network switches are part of critical infrastructure, as attackers could potentially cause operational disruptions, data integrity issues, or even safety hazards. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential access through session hijacking. The ability to hijack sessions in industrial environments can lead to significant operational technology security breaches that may affect production processes and overall system availability.
Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to version 5.2.0 or later to address this vulnerability, as Siemens has released patches specifically designed to remediate the session management weaknesses. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious authentication attempts or session activity. Security professionals should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as two-factor authentication where possible, and conduct regular security assessments of industrial network devices to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions in industrial environments and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in network infrastructure can create significant security risks. Organizations should also review their industrial cybersecurity practices and consider implementing zero-trust network access models for critical infrastructure devices to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities.