CVE-2017-9939 in SiPass integrated
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability was discovered in Siemens SiPass integrated (All versions before V2.70) that could allow an attacker with network access to the SiPass integrated server to bypass the authentication mechanism and perform administrative operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9939 affects Siemens SiPass integrated access control systems, specifically versions prior to V2.70. This critical authentication bypass flaw represents a significant security weakness that undermines the fundamental security model of the system. The vulnerability resides within the authentication mechanism of the SiPass integrated server, which is designed to manage and control physical access to facilities through electronic access control systems. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers who can reach the system over the network to escalate privileges and execute administrative operations without proper credentials.
This authentication bypass vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control implementation within the SiPass integrated server software. The flaw enables attackers to exploit weaknesses in the authentication flow, potentially allowing them to assume administrative roles and gain full control over the access control system. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in authentication mechanisms and falls under the CWE-287 category, which addresses improper authentication. The security implications are particularly severe because access control systems form the foundation of physical security infrastructure, making this vulnerability a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise facility security.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9939 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform administrative operations within the SiPass integrated system. This capability allows unauthorized individuals to modify access permissions, add or remove users, disable security features, and potentially gain physical access to restricted areas. The vulnerability is particularly concerning from an attacker's perspective as it aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion domains. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to facilities, manipulate security logs, and create backdoors for future unauthorized access.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant as it requires only network connectivity to the SiPass integrated server, making it accessible to attackers in the same network segment or potentially even remotely if proper network segmentation is not implemented. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Siemens SiPass integrated systems for physical security management, including corporate offices, government facilities, healthcare institutions, and industrial sites. Organizations using affected versions of SiPass integrated are at risk of unauthorized access to their physical security infrastructure, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized physical access, and compromise of sensitive facilities. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that access control systems often contain sensitive information about personnel, access patterns, and facility layouts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9939 primarily involve upgrading to Siemens SiPass integrated V2.70 or later versions, which contain patches addressing the authentication bypass vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to isolate access control systems from general network traffic, enforce strict access controls for administrative interfaces, and monitor for unauthorized access attempts. Additional security measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong network access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of physical security infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping security-critical systems updated and demonstrates how weaknesses in authentication mechanisms can lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should also review their physical security policies and procedures to ensure that network-based access control systems are properly secured against both cyber and physical threats.