CVE-2017-13997 in InduSoft Web Studio
Summary
by MITRE
A Missing Authentication for Critical Function issue was discovered in Schneider Electric InduSoft Web Studio v8.0 SP2 or prior, and InTouch Machine Edition v8.0 SP2 or prior. InduSoft Web Studio provides the capability for an HMI client to trigger script execution on the server for the purposes of performing customized calculations or actions. A remote malicious entity could bypass the server authentication and trigger the execution of an arbitrary command. The command is executed under high privileges and could lead to a complete compromise of the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-13997 represents a critical authentication flaw in Schneider Electric's industrial automation software suite, specifically affecting InduSoft Web Studio v8.0 SP2 and prior versions, as well as InTouch Machine Edition v8.0 SP2 and prior versions. This weakness falls under the CWE-306 category of "Missing Authentication for Critical Function" and exposes fundamental security controls within the industrial control systems environment. The affected software platforms are widely used in critical infrastructure applications including manufacturing, energy, and process control systems where security is paramount for operational continuity and safety.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms protecting critical server functions within the InduSoft Web Studio environment. The software includes functionality that allows HMI (Human Machine Interface) clients to trigger script execution on the server side for performing customized calculations or actions. This legitimate feature becomes a security vector when the authentication checks for triggering these critical functions are bypassed. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server without proper authentication, effectively allowing unauthorized access to the system's core functionalities. The vulnerability specifically affects the server-side script execution capabilities, which are designed to operate with elevated privileges to ensure proper system operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and potentially catastrophic for industrial environments that rely on these software platforms. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute commands with high privileges, effectively providing complete control over the compromised server. This level of access enables attackers to manipulate industrial processes, alter critical system configurations, install malware, or exfiltrate sensitive operational data. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential physical safety risks in industrial environments where process control systems are directly connected to physical operations. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to compromise the integrity and availability of critical infrastructure operations, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety hazards, or even environmental damage.
Organizations utilizing affected Schneider Electric software should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to isolate critical systems, and enforcing strict access controls for industrial control systems. The remediation approach should align with industrial cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards, which emphasize the importance of secure configuration management and authentication controls. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unusual command execution patterns, establishing secure remote access solutions with proper authentication, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial environments where the consequences of exploitation can extend far beyond traditional information technology risks into operational technology domains where safety and reliability are paramount.