CVE-2016-9157 in SICAM PAS
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Siemens SICAM PAS (all versions including V8.08) could allow a remote attacker to cause a Denial of Service condition and potentially lead to unauthenticated remote code execution by sending specially crafted packets sent to port 19234/TCP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9157 affects Siemens SICAM PAS software across all versions including V8.08, presenting a critical security risk that enables remote attackers to disrupt system operations and potentially execute code without authentication. This weakness resides in the network communication handling mechanisms of the SICAM PAS application, which is designed for industrial process automation and control systems. The specific port 19234/TCP serves as the attack vector where malicious packets can be transmitted to exploit the underlying flaw. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution, though the exact technical implementation requires careful analysis of the packet structure and memory handling within the affected software components. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that SICAM PAS systems are deployed in critical infrastructure environments where uninterrupted operation is paramount.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and memory management within the network protocol handler that processes incoming data on port 19234. When specially crafted packets are received, the system fails to properly validate the packet structure or enforce memory boundaries, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption conditions. This vulnerability type aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious input to cause system instability or unauthorized access. The remote nature of the attack means that an adversary does not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where network segmentation may be limited. The software's failure to implement proper bounds checking or input sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow through carefully constructed network traffic.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-9157 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. In industrial environments where SICAM PAS systems control critical processes, such an attack could result in production halts, safety system failures, or unauthorized process modifications that could have severe financial and operational consequences. The vulnerability's potential for unauthenticated access means that even a basic network scan could reveal exploitable systems, making the entire industrial network infrastructure vulnerable. Organizations using these systems face the risk of cascading failures where a single compromised device could affect entire production lines or control networks, particularly in scenarios where the affected systems are not properly isolated from general network access. The attack could be particularly devastating in environments where system uptime is critical and where the consequences of unauthorized access could extend to safety systems or environmental controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9157 should focus on immediate network-level protections combined with long-term software updates and architectural improvements. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to port 19234 to only authorized systems and personnel, effectively limiting the attack surface. The most effective remediation involves applying the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the specific input validation and memory handling flaws within the SICAM PAS software. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify anomalous traffic patterns on port 19234 that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of industrial control systems should include vulnerability scanning for similar issues, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in industrial network protocols. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security, ensuring that operational technology environments receive appropriate protection measures while maintaining system availability and functionality.