CVE-2017-20238 in Hirschmann Industrial HiVision
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2026
Hirschmann Industrial HiVision versions 06.0.00 and 07.0.00 prior to 06.0.06 and 07.0.01 contains an improper authorization vulnerability that allows read-only users to gain write access to managed devices by bypassing access control mechanisms. Attackers can exploit alternative interfaces such as the web interface or SNMP browser to modify device configurations despite having restricted permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20238 affects Hirschmann Industrial HiVision software versions 06.0.00 and 07.0.00 prior to 06.0.06 and 07.0.01 respectively, representing a critical improper authorization flaw that undermines the security model of industrial control systems. This vulnerability resides within the access control mechanisms of the HiVision management platform, specifically targeting the authorization validation processes that govern user permissions and device access rights. The flaw allows users with read-only privileges to escalate their access level and gain write capabilities to managed industrial devices, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries that separate different user roles within the system. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege that is essential for industrial cybersecurity frameworks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user permissions across multiple interface points within the HiVision platform. Attackers can exploit this weakness through alternative access vectors including the web-based management interface and SNMP browser components, which do not properly enforce the authorization checks that should prevent read-only users from performing write operations. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to validate whether a user has appropriate permissions before executing configuration modification requests, allowing unauthorized access to device configuration data and operational parameters. This flaw directly violates the CWE-285 principle of improper authorization, where systems fail to properly verify that users have sufficient privileges to perform requested operations, creating a path for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple access control bypass, as it enables attackers to manipulate critical industrial device configurations without detection. Industrial control systems managed by HiVision are often responsible for overseeing critical infrastructure operations including manufacturing processes, power generation, and distribution networks where unauthorized configuration changes can lead to significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even complete system failures. The ability to modify device configurations through alternative interfaces means that attackers can potentially alter operational parameters, disable security features, or introduce malicious configurations that persist across system restarts. This vulnerability particularly threatens environments where operational technology (OT) systems are integrated with information technology (IT) networks, as it provides a pathway for attackers to move laterally within the industrial network infrastructure.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches that address the authorization validation flaws in HiVision versions 06.0.06 and 07.0.01. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to isolate critical industrial devices from general IT access, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized configuration changes across all management interfaces. The ATT&CK framework's technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing through social engineering should be considered in threat modeling, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access within industrial environments. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that access control policies are properly enforced across all management interfaces, and user access should be reviewed periodically to ensure that permissions align with the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust access control implementation in industrial environments where security failures can have cascading effects on operational technology infrastructure and potentially impact public safety and critical infrastructure operations.