CVE-2015-5386 in SICAM MIC
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens SICAM MIC devices with firmware before 2404 allow remote attackers to bypass authentication and obtain administrative access via unspecified HTTP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5386 affects Siemens SICAM MIC devices running firmware versions prior to 2404, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to gain administrative privileges without proper credentials. This weakness resides within the device's HTTP request processing mechanism, where insufficient input validation and authentication checks allow malicious actors to craft specific HTTP requests that circumvent the normal access control procedures. The affected devices are commonly deployed in industrial control systems and SCADA environments where they manage critical infrastructure operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous given its remote exploitability and the administrative privileges it grants.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's web interface and HTTP server components. Attackers can exploit this flaw by sending specially crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the authentication flow, effectively allowing them to bypass the standard login process and assume administrative control over the device. This represents a classic example of an authentication bypass vulnerability that can be categorized under CWE-287, which deals with improper handling of authentication tokens and credentials. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where the system fails to properly verify the authenticity of incoming requests before granting access to privileged functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5386 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected SICAM MIC devices. This level of access enables adversaries to modify device configurations, alter operational parameters, disable security features, and potentially disrupt critical industrial processes. In industrial environments where these devices control power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing processes, such unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices or network proximity, making the attack surface much broader and more difficult to defend against. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as it allows for credential compromise and remote access through legitimate authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around immediate firmware updates to version 2404 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass flaw. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their industrial control systems and prioritize their remediation efforts based on risk assessment. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect suspicious HTTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing network access control lists, disabling unnecessary web services, and conducting regular security audits of industrial control system components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure software development practices and proper authentication design in industrial environments, where the consequences of authentication failures can be severe and far-reaching.