CVE-2017-6868 in SIMATIC CP 44x-1 RNA
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Authentication issue was discovered in Siemens SIMATIC CP 44x-1 RNA, all versions prior to 1.4.1. An unauthenticated remote attacker may be able to perform administrative actions on the Communication Process (CP) of the RNA series module, if network access to Port 102/TCP is available and the configuration file for the CP is stored on the RNA's CPU.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6868 represents a critical improper authentication flaw in Siemens SIMATIC CP 44x-1 RNA communication modules. This issue affects all versions prior to 1.4.1 and demonstrates a fundamental failure in the authentication mechanisms protecting industrial control system components. The vulnerability resides within the communication process of the RNA series module, which serves as a critical interface for industrial automation and process control applications. The flaw enables unauthorized remote access to administrative functions through a well-known industrial communication port, highlighting the dangerous combination of weak authentication and accessible network interfaces in industrial environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unauthenticated remote access to TCP port 102, which is the standard port for ISO on TCP communication protocol used in industrial automation systems. When an attacker gains access to this port and the configuration file for the communication process is stored on the RNA's CPU, they can execute administrative actions without proper authentication credentials. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where the absence of proper authentication checks allows attackers to assume administrative roles within the communication module. The configuration file storage on the CPU creates a persistent attack vector that remains accessible even after system restarts, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for long-running industrial processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential disruption of critical industrial processes and compromise of operational technology infrastructure. Industrial control systems relying on Siemens CP 44x-1 RNA modules face significant risk of unauthorized modifications to communication parameters, which could lead to process failures, data corruption, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability directly affects the integrity and availability of industrial communication channels, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate data flow between industrial devices and control systems. This risk is compounded by the fact that these modules typically operate in environments where continuous operation is critical, making any unauthorized modifications potentially catastrophic to industrial operations.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement network segmentation to restrict access to TCP port 102 and ensure that only authorized personnel can access the communication modules. The recommended mitigation involves updating to Siemens SIMATIC CP 44x-1 RNA firmware version 1.4.1 or later, which includes proper authentication mechanisms. Network access controls should be implemented to limit access to the affected modules to trusted networks and IP addresses, following the principle of least privilege. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable modules and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a significant concern for industrial control system security. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, demonstrating how weaknesses in authentication can enable broader compromise of industrial systems. The security implications extend to the broader industrial cybersecurity landscape, where such vulnerabilities highlight the need for robust authentication mechanisms in operational technology environments and the importance of regular firmware updates in maintaining system security.