CVE-2017-7968 in InduSoft Web Studio
Summary
by MITRE
An Incorrect Default Permissions issue was discovered in Schneider Electric Wonderware InduSoft Web Studio v8.0 Patch 3 and prior versions. Upon installation, Wonderware InduSoft Web Studio creates a new directory and two files, which are placed in the system's path and can be manipulated by non-administrators. This could allow an authenticated user to escalate his or her privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7968 represents a critical security flaw in Schneider Electric Wonderware InduSoft Web Studio version 8.0 Patch 3 and earlier releases. This issue stems from improper default permissions assigned during the software installation process, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically affects the installation routine where the software establishes a new directory structure along with two critical files within the system path. These files are configured with insufficient access controls, allowing any authenticated user to manipulate them regardless of their administrative privileges. The flaw exists at the operating system level where the installation process fails to properly enforce security boundaries, creating an attack surface that undermines the principle of least privilege. This misconfiguration enables attackers to leverage legitimate software components for unauthorized system access and privilege escalation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a straightforward privilege escalation attack vector where an authenticated user can manipulate the installed files to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The installation process creates files in system directories without proper permission restrictions, typically allowing world-writable or group-writable access. This misconfiguration enables attackers to modify the installed files, potentially injecting malicious code or altering the behavior of the application. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for security-critical resources, and represents a classic case of insecure default configurations. The flaw demonstrates poor security hygiene in the software installation process, where the developers failed to implement proper access control mechanisms during the deployment phase, creating a persistent backdoor for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7968 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems where Wonderware InduSoft Web Studio is deployed. In industrial environments, this vulnerability can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data manipulation, or even physical system damage. The vulnerability affects systems where the software is installed with default settings, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security audits are infrequent or where administrative privileges are granted to multiple users. Organizations using this software in manufacturing, process control, or other industrial automation environments face significant risk as the vulnerability can be exploited by both external attackers and insider threats. The attack surface is further expanded due to the software's common deployment in enterprise environments where multiple users may have legitimate access to the system but lack appropriate administrative controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7968 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and proper access control implementations. Organizations must apply the vendor-provided patches released after the vulnerability disclosure to address the root cause. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of installed software to identify and correct improper file permissions for any remaining installations. The recommended approach includes implementing proper access controls using discretionary access control mechanisms, ensuring that only authorized administrators can modify system-critical files. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, where system components should only have the minimum permissions necessary for their operation. Organizations should also implement continuous monitoring of system file integrity to detect unauthorized modifications to critical installation directories. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure software installation practices and proper permission management in industrial control environments where security is paramount to operational safety and business continuity.