CVE-2017-2686 in RUGGEDCOM ROX I
Summary
by MITRE
Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROX I (all versions) contain a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated user to read arbitrary files through the web interface at port 10000/TCP and access sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2686 affects Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROX I network devices across all versions, representing a critical security flaw in industrial networking equipment. This vulnerability resides within the web interface component that operates on port 10000/tcp, making it accessible to authenticated users who can exploit the flaw to read arbitrary files from the device's file system. The affected devices are commonly deployed in industrial environments where network infrastructure security is paramount, and the vulnerability presents a significant risk to operational technology systems that require robust security controls. The flaw demonstrates a classic path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive data that should remain protected within the device's internal file structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web interface's file handling mechanisms. When an authenticated user interacts with the device through the web interface, the system fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input parameters that control file access operations. This deficiency enables attackers to manipulate file path parameters through crafted requests, allowing them to navigate to arbitrary locations within the device's file system. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's ability to properly validate and restrict file access operations, creating an opportunity for unauthorized file reading that could expose configuration files, system logs, credentials, and other sensitive information typically protected by the device's access controls. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation practices that align with CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2686 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to gain deeper insights into the device's configuration and operational parameters. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially extract sensitive information including system configuration files that may contain network settings, user credentials, or other operational data that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability's presence on port 10000/tcp, which is typically used for industrial device management, means that the attack surface is already exposed to network traffic and could be exploited by attackers with network access. This situation creates a significant risk for industrial control systems where device security is crucial for maintaining operational integrity, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to understand the network topology, identify other vulnerable systems, or extract information that could aid in more sophisticated attacks. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries seek to understand the file system structure to identify valuable targets.
Organizations utilizing Siemens RUGGEDCOM ROX I devices should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the vendor-provided security patches or firmware updates that resolve the input validation issues. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to port 10000/tcp to only authorized personnel and systems, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to the web interface. Monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns or unusual network traffic targeting the affected port. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial networking equipment, as it represents a failure to properly implement security controls that are fundamental to protecting operational technology systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and firewall rules to restrict access to the device management interface, particularly in environments where the devices are exposed to untrusted networks or where network segmentation is not properly implemented. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security controls in industrial environments where the compromise of network infrastructure can have cascading effects on operational systems and safety-critical processes.