CVE-2015-6675 in ROS
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROS 3.8.0 through 4.1.x permanently enables the IP forwarding feature, which allows remote attackers to bypass a VLAN isolation protection mechanism via IP traffic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6675 affects Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROS operating systems version 3.8.0 through 4.1.x, representing a critical security flaw in network infrastructure devices. This issue stems from the permanent enabling of IP forwarding functionality within the router operating system, which fundamentally undermines the security model designed to isolate network segments through VLANs. The flaw exists at the core networking protocol implementation level, where the system fails to properly enforce network segmentation policies that are essential for maintaining secure communications between different network zones.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper configuration of IP forwarding capabilities within the routing stack of the RUGGEDCOM devices. When IP forwarding is enabled, the device acts as a router rather than a simple switch, allowing it to forward packets between different network segments. This configuration directly contradicts the intended security posture of VLAN isolation, which relies on the premise that traffic between VLANs should be restricted or controlled by dedicated routing mechanisms. The permanent enabling of this feature means that the vulnerability cannot be resolved through simple configuration changes, as it is hardcoded into the operating system behavior.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple network performance issues, creating significant security risks for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments where these devices are commonly deployed. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to traverse network boundaries that should remain isolated, potentially gaining access to sensitive operational technology networks that are supposed to be protected from general internet traffic. This allows for lateral movement within networks, enabling attackers to access industrial control systems, supervisory control and data acquisition networks, and other critical segments that are typically protected by VLAN configurations. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism that bypasses fundamental network security controls.
The security implications align with CWE-119, which addresses improper restriction of operations within a limited access scope, and represents a clear violation of network segmentation principles that are fundamental to cybersecurity frameworks. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under network penetration and lateral movement tactics, where adversaries exploit network infrastructure to bypass security controls. The permanent nature of the enabling suggests that this may be a design flaw rather than a configuration error, potentially requiring device firmware updates or replacement to fully remediate the issue.
Organizations deploying Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROS devices should implement immediate network monitoring to detect unusual routing behavior and unauthorized packet forwarding between VLAN segments. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying official firmware updates from Siemens that address the IP forwarding configuration, while also implementing additional network segmentation controls such as access control lists and network intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized routing activities. Network administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all affected devices and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper network protocol implementation in security-critical infrastructure environments where the failure of basic security controls can lead to significant operational and security consequences.