CVE-2016-5743 in SIMATIC
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens SIMATIC WinCC before 7.3 Update 10 and 7.4 before Update 1, SIMATIC BATCH before 8.1 SP1 Update 9 as distributed in SIMATIC PCS 7 through 8.1 SP1, SIMATIC OpenPCS 7 before 8.1 Update 3 as distributed in SIMATIC PCS 7 through 8.1 SP1, SIMATIC OpenPCS 7 before 8.2 Update 1 as distributed in SIMATIC PCS 7 8.2, and SIMATIC WinCC Runtime Professional before 13 SP1 Update 9 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
Siemens SIMATIC WinCC and related industrial automation software products contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different product lines. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation in the handling of crafted network packets, allowing remote attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists in the communication protocols used by these industrial control systems, which are designed to facilitate remote monitoring and control of industrial processes but inadvertently create attack surfaces that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-78, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. Attackers can craft specially formatted network packets that, when processed by the affected software, trigger memory corruption vulnerabilities. These packets exploit the way the software handles incoming data streams, particularly in the context of industrial communication protocols such as OPC (OLE for Process Control) and other proprietary communication mechanisms used in process control systems. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the affected application, which typically runs with elevated system permissions to maintain control over industrial processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe in industrial environments where these systems control critical infrastructure such as manufacturing processes, power generation, and water treatment facilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected industrial control systems, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the industrial facility, making the attack surface significantly larger and more difficult to defend against. This vulnerability particularly affects the operational technology (OT) domain where traditional cybersecurity measures may not be sufficient to protect against sophisticated attacks targeting industrial control systems.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches and updates for all affected versions of Siemens SIMATIC WinCC and related products. The mitigation strategy should include network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general corporate networks, implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous packet patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control environments. Additionally, organizations should follow ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1105 for remote file execution to enhance their defensive posture against such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system software and implementing robust security practices in operational technology environments.