CVE-2015-1357 in Ruggedcom
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens Ruggedcom WIN51xx devices with firmware before SS4.4.4624.35, WIN52xx devices with firmware before SS4.4.4624.35, WIN70xx devices with firmware before BS4.4.4621.32, and WIN72xx devices with firmware before BS4.4.4621.32 allow context-dependent attackers to discover password hashes by reading (1) files or (2) security logs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1357 affects Siemens Ruggedcom WIN51xx, WIN52xx, WIN70xx, and WIN72xx industrial network devices, representing a critical security flaw in embedded systems used for industrial control and communications. These devices operate in environments where security is paramount, including critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, water treatment, and manufacturing facilities. The vulnerability stems from improper access controls and insufficient input validation within the device firmware, specifically in how the system handles file and log access requests. This flaw allows attackers with context-dependent privileges to extract password hashes through direct file access or by reading security logs, creating a significant risk to operational technology environments where these devices are deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the device's authentication and authorization mechanisms, where the system fails to properly restrict access to sensitive configuration files and log data that contain password hash information. The affected firmware versions lack proper access control lists and file permission checks, enabling unauthorized users who can establish a connection to the device to read system files or security logs that contain hashed passwords. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege checking and inadequate information exposure controls, which aligns with CWE-284 for improper access control and CWE-200 for exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to obtain password hashes without requiring elevated privileges, making it an attractive target for credential harvesting attacks.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems. The compromised devices serve as potential entry points for broader network infiltration, allowing attackers to move laterally through industrial networks and potentially disrupt critical operations. The affected devices are commonly deployed in environments where continuous operation is critical, making any compromise particularly dangerous. Security researchers have noted that these devices often lack remote monitoring capabilities and may not be frequently updated, creating long-term exposure windows for attackers. The vulnerability affects multiple device families and firmware versions, indicating a systemic issue in the software development lifecycle of these industrial products, which could leave organizations with widespread exposure across their industrial control networks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to the latest available versions that address this vulnerability, typically SS4.4.4624.35 for WIN51xx and WIN52xx devices and BS4.4.4621.32 for WIN70xx and WIN72xx devices. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit direct access to these devices, while regular security audits and monitoring of system logs should be conducted to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual file access patterns or log reading activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper access control implementation in industrial control systems, aligning with ATT&CK techniques such as credential access through file system access and privilege escalation via weak access controls. Organizations should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their overall industrial cybersecurity posture and ensure that their incident response plans account for potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components.