CVE-2017-7934 in PI Server
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Authentication issue was discovered in OSIsoft PI Server 2017 PI Data Archive versions prior to 2017. PI Network Manager using older protocol versions contains a flaw that could allow a malicious user to authenticate with a server and then cause PI Network Manager to behave in an undefined manner.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7934 represents a critical improper authentication flaw within OSIsoft PI Server 2017 PI Data Archive systems, specifically affecting versions prior to the 2017 release. This weakness resides in the PI Network Manager component which utilizes older protocol versions that fail to properly validate authentication credentials. The issue stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms that allow malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model and establish unauthorized access to critical industrial control systems. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in industrial environments where operational technology systems handle sensitive data and critical infrastructure operations.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the use of legacy protocol versions that lack proper session management and credential validation processes. When PI Network Manager communicates with the PI Data Archive server, it relies on outdated authentication mechanisms that do not adequately verify user identities or enforce proper access controls. This creates an attack surface where unauthorized users can potentially bypass authentication requirements and gain access to system resources. The vulnerability manifests through improper handling of authentication tokens or session identifiers, allowing attackers to manipulate the authentication flow and establish unauthorized connections to the server infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to unpredictable system behavior and potential data integrity compromises. When a malicious user successfully authenticates through this flaw, the PI Network Manager may exhibit undefined behavior that could include system instability, data corruption, or unauthorized data manipulation. This unpredictable nature makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous because it can cause cascading failures within industrial control systems, potentially leading to production disruptions or safety hazards in critical infrastructure environments. The flaw essentially undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the PI Server architecture and exposes organizations to significant operational risks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to PI Server 2017 PI Data Archive versions that address this authentication flaw, disabling or migrating away from legacy protocol versions, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to critical systems. Security controls should include monitoring for unauthorized authentication attempts and implementing robust access control policies that enforce the principle of least privilege. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a significant concern for organizations operating within the industrial control systems domain. The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly relevant to the ATT&CK framework's credential access and defense evasion tactics, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to industrial control systems while potentially evading detection mechanisms that rely on proper authentication validation.