CVE-2017-12736 in RuggedCom ROS
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in the following Siemens products: RUGGEDCOM ROS for RSL910 devices: All versions < ROS v5.0.1, RUGGEDCOM ROS for all other devices: All versions < ROS v4.3.4, SCALANCE XB-200/XC-200/XP-200/XR300-WG: All versions >= v3.0, SCALANCE XR-500/XM-400: All versions >= v6.1. After initial configuration, the Ruggedcom Discovery Protocol (RCDP) is still able to write to the device under certain conditions, potentially allowing users located in the adjacent network of the targeted device to perform unauthorized administrative actions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12736 represents a critical security flaw in several Siemens network infrastructure devices that operates under the Ruggedcom operating system. This weakness specifically affects devices running RUGGEDCOM ROS firmware versions prior to the specified patches, creating a persistent risk for industrial control systems and network infrastructure deployments. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the Ruggedcom Discovery Protocol implementation, which allows unauthorized network actors to perform administrative operations on affected devices.
The technical flaw manifests through the Ruggedcom Discovery Protocol's ability to accept write operations even after initial device configuration has been completed. This represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and proper authentication mechanisms, as the protocol maintains write access capabilities beyond the normal operational requirements. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network level and can be exploited by attackers who have access to adjacent network segments, making it a significant threat to physically proximate networks. This issue aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and demonstrates how protocol-level flaws can create persistent backdoors in industrial networking equipment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential compromise of entire industrial control networks. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can perform administrative actions such as changing network configurations, modifying device parameters, or potentially escalating privileges to full system control. The affected devices include critical industrial networking equipment such as SCALANCE XB-200/XC-200/XP-200/XR300-WG series and SCALANCE XR-500/XM-400 series, which are commonly deployed in manufacturing environments, critical infrastructure, and industrial automation systems. These devices form the backbone of many operational technology networks, making the potential impact of exploitation significant for organizations relying on industrial control systems. The vulnerability's persistence after initial configuration means that once an attacker gains access, they can maintain control over the device for extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with the attack technique described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Network reconnaissance and lateral movement activities can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access points within industrial networks, potentially leading to cascading security failures. Organizations should prioritize patching efforts for all affected devices, particularly those in operational technology environments where the consequences of unauthorized access could be severe. The remediation process involves updating firmware to the specified patched versions, which typically include enhanced authentication mechanisms and proper access control enforcement within the Ruggedcom Discovery Protocol. Security teams should also implement network segmentation strategies to limit adjacent network access and monitor for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of industrial control system networks should include verification of device firmware versions and access control configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in operational environments.