CVE-2017-6870 in SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability was discovered in Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient for Android (All versions before V1.0.2.2). The existing TLS protocol implementation could allow an attacker to read and modify data within a TLS session while performing a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6870 affects Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient for Android applications running versions prior to V1.0.2.2. This represents a critical security flaw within industrial control systems that are widely deployed in manufacturing and process automation environments. The affected software serves as a mobile interface for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically resides in the implementation of the Transport Layer Security protocol, which is fundamental to securing communications between mobile clients and industrial control systems. This weakness creates a significant risk in environments where industrial networks require robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access and data manipulation.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate TLS protocol implementation within the Android mobile application, which fails to properly validate server certificates during the TLS handshake process. This vulnerability allows attackers to perform successful man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting and modifying communications between the mobile client and industrial control servers. The weakness enables attackers to decrypt sensitive data transmitted between the mobile interface and the industrial control system, potentially gaining access to operational parameters, control commands, and critical process information. The implementation flaw specifically relates to certificate validation mechanisms that do not adequately verify the authenticity of server certificates, allowing attackers to present fraudulent certificates that the application accepts as valid. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-295 which describes improper certificate validation and CWE-310 which covers cryptographic issues in protocol implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables attackers to modify data within active TLS sessions, potentially leading to unauthorized control of industrial processes. In industrial control environments, this could result in production disruption, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment and facilities. The mobile nature of the WinCC Sm@rtClient application means that attackers could exploit this vulnerability from various locations, potentially compromising operations across different geographical sites. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of communications critical to industrial operations, undermining the security posture of organizations relying on Siemens industrial control systems. Attackers could manipulate process parameters, alter control commands, or inject malicious data that could cause significant operational disruptions or safety incidents.
Organizations utilizing Siemens SIMATIC WinCC Sm@rtClient for Android should immediately implement security patches provided by Siemens to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation involves updating to version V1.0.2.2 or later, which includes enhanced certificate validation mechanisms and improved TLS protocol implementation. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks, while additional security controls such as network access control and intrusion detection systems can provide layered protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in industrial mobile applications and underscores the need for continuous security assessments of operational technology systems. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as certificate pinning to prevent the acceptance of fraudulent certificates, and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust security practices in industrial environments where the consequences of security breaches can extend beyond traditional information technology risks into physical safety and operational integrity domains.