CVE-2017-12737 in SICAM RTUs SM-2556 COM Module
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Siemens SICAM RTUs SM-2556 COM Modules with the firmware variants ENOS00, ERAC00, ETA2, ETLS00, MODi00, and DNPi00. The integrated web server (port 80/tcp) of the affected devices could allow unauthenticated remote attackers to obtain sensitive device information over the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12737 affects Siemens SICAM RTUs SM-2556 COM Modules, specifically targeting firmware variants including ENOS00, ERAC00, ETA2, ETLS00, MODi00, and DNPi00. This security flaw resides within the integrated web server component that operates on port 80/tcp, representing a critical exposure in industrial control systems that serve as foundational infrastructure for operational technology environments. The affected devices are commonly deployed in industrial automation and monitoring applications where they function as remote terminal units responsible for collecting and transmitting operational data from remote locations to central control systems.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of authentication mechanisms within the web server implementation, allowing any remote attacker to access sensitive device information without requiring valid credentials or authorization. This represents a fundamental security failure in the device's access control design and aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication vulnerabilities. The vulnerability enables information disclosure attacks where attackers can obtain device configuration details, system parameters, and potentially operational data that could reveal critical infrastructure information. The absence of proper authentication checks creates an attack surface that violates the principle of least privilege and exposes industrial control systems to unauthorized reconnaissance activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent exploitation attempts. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain insights into the device's operational configuration, firmware versions, and potentially network topology information that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. This exposure directly impacts the security posture of industrial environments by enabling reconnaissance activities that could lead to privilege escalation, denial of service conditions, or even physical system compromise. The vulnerability affects devices deployed in critical infrastructure sectors including power generation, water treatment, and manufacturing facilities where the integrity of operational data is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should deploy firewalls and network access control lists to restrict access to port 80/tcp from only authorized management networks. The most effective immediate remediation involves applying firmware updates provided by Siemens to address the authentication weakness in the web server component. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help detect unauthorized access attempts to these vulnerable devices. Security teams should also consider disabling the web server functionality entirely if it is not required for operational purposes, as recommended by the mitre attack framework for reducing attack surface in industrial control systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar authentication weaknesses in other industrial control devices within the operational technology environment.