CVE-2016-8567 in SICAM PAS
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Siemens SICAM PAS before 8.00. A factory account with hard-coded passwords is present in the SICAM PAS installations. Attackers might gain privileged access to the database over Port 2638/TCP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8567 represents a critical security flaw in Siemens SICAM PAS software versions prior to 8.00, exposing installations to unauthorized privileged access through a hardcoded factory account. This weakness stems from poor security implementation practices where manufacturers embed default credentials directly into software installations, creating persistent backdoors that remain active throughout the product lifecycle. The presence of such hardcoded credentials violates fundamental security principles and creates significant attack surface exposure for industrial control systems.
The technical flaw manifests through a factory account that contains hard-coded passwords, allowing attackers to establish database connections over TCP port 2638 without requiring legitimate authentication. This hardcoded credential mechanism falls under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to gain elevated privileges within the system, potentially compromising the entire industrial control infrastructure. The default account credentials are typically well-documented within vendor resources and security databases, making exploitation straightforward for threat actors with basic knowledge of industrial control system security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with privileged database access that could enable comprehensive system compromise. Successful exploitation allows adversaries to manipulate industrial processes, modify configuration settings, access sensitive operational data, and potentially cause physical damage to industrial equipment. The attack vector through port 2638 represents a direct pathway into the core database infrastructure, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and potentially evading traditional network monitoring systems that may not adequately inspect industrial protocols. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials gained through default accounts, and represents a significant risk to operational technology environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8567 require immediate implementation of security patches provided by Siemens for SICAM PAS versions prior to 8.00, along with comprehensive credential management practices. Organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected installations and implement network segmentation to limit access to port 2638. The remediation process must include disabling or removing hardcoded factory accounts, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and establishing regular security audits to prevent similar issues in future deployments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network access controls, intrusion detection systems specifically designed for industrial protocols, and comprehensive security awareness training for personnel managing industrial control systems to prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure.