CVE-2017-12740 in LOGO! Soft Comfort
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens LOGO! Soft Comfort (All versions before V8.2) lacks integrity verification of software packages downloaded via an unprotected communication channel. This could allow a remote attacker to manipulate the software package while performing a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12740 affects Siemens LOGO! Soft Comfort software across all versions prior to V8.2, representing a critical security flaw in industrial control system software. This issue stems from the absence of proper integrity verification mechanisms during software package downloads, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit through unprotected communication channels. The vulnerability specifically impacts the software update process where packages are transmitted without cryptographic validation, leaving the system susceptible to manipulation during transit. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles of data integrity and authentication that are essential for protecting industrial control systems from malicious interference.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure to implement cryptographic checksums or digital signatures during the software update process, allowing attackers to intercept and modify software packages while they traverse unprotected network connections. When a user attempts to download software updates for their LOGO! devices, the system accepts packages without verifying their authenticity or integrity, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code or alter legitimate updates. This vulnerability operates under the premise that network communications between the software client and update servers are not secured, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can position themselves between the client and server to manipulate the data flow. The absence of integrity checks means that any modifications to the downloaded packages remain undetected, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the operational technology infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple software corruption, as it creates opportunities for attackers to gain unauthorized control over industrial systems that rely on LOGO devices control critical processes such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, where unauthorized modifications could result in significant safety risks or financial losses. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication to exploit, as it only requires interception of unencrypted network traffic and replacement of legitimate software packages with malicious alternatives, making it a high-value target for adversaries seeking to compromise industrial control systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the deployment of encrypted communication channels for all software updates, mandatory use of secure protocols such as HTTPS or SFTP, and implementation of digital signature verification mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through unprotected communication channels, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in industrial cybersecurity. Defense in depth strategies should include network segmentation to isolate update servers from general network traffic, implementation of network monitoring to detect unusual update patterns, and regular security assessments of industrial control system configurations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and execution tactics, where adversaries leverage unsecured communication channels to establish persistent access to industrial systems. System administrators should also consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms and regular audit trails of software update activities to detect potential compromise. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices in industrial environments where legacy systems often lack modern cryptographic protections, emphasizing that industrial control systems require specialized security measures beyond traditional information technology security approaches.