CVE-2016-8564 in Automation License Manager
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM) before 5.3 SP3 Update 1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via crafted traffic to TCP port 4410.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8564 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within Siemens Automation License Manager version 5.3 SP2 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the ALM software used in industrial automation environments, where license management and software activation processes are handled. The flaw exists in the communication protocol implementation that processes incoming requests on TCP port 4410, which is the designated port for license management communications in Siemens automation systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the ALM application's database interaction layer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers without requiring authentication or physical access to the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters that are directly passed to SQL query execution functions within the ALM software. Attackers can craft malicious network traffic that includes specially formatted SQL commands designed to exploit the lack of proper parameterization or input filtering. When the ALM application processes these malformed requests on port 4410, the injected SQL code executes within the context of the database connection, potentially allowing attackers to perform unauthorized database operations. This includes but is not limited to data retrieval, modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database system. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, particularly within industrial control systems where ALM is deployed. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to license information, potentially allowing them to bypass software licensing requirements or manipulate license validation processes. This could lead to unauthorized system access, disruption of industrial processes, or even compromise of the broader automation infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected systems from outside the local network, making it particularly dangerous in environments where industrial systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, demonstrating how this vulnerability fits into broader attack frameworks targeting industrial control systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patch for Siemens Automation License Manager version 5.3 SP3 Update 1, which addresses the SQL injection flaw through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to restrict access to TCP port 4410, particularly in environments where such exposure is unnecessary. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous traffic patterns on port 4410 can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in industrial software development and highlights the need for regular security assessments of critical infrastructure components. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and access logging to detect unauthorized database operations that may result from successful exploitation of this vulnerability.