CVE-2017-9944 in 7KT PAC1200 Data Manager
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in Siemens 7KT PAC1200 data manager (7KT1260) in all versions < V2.03. The integrated web server (port 80/tcp) of the affected devices could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to perform administrative operations over the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-9944 affects Siemens 7KT PAC1200 data manager models including the 7KT1260 device, impacting all firmware versions prior to V2.03. This represents a critical security flaw in industrial control systems where the device's integrated web server operates on port 80/tcp and fails to properly authenticate remote access attempts. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute administrative operations, effectively bypassing normal security controls that should require valid credentials for privileged access. This vulnerability resides in the web interface implementation of the device, which does not enforce proper authentication mechanisms before permitting administrative functions to be executed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication checks within the web server component of the PAC1200 device. When remote attackers connect to the device via port 80, they can potentially access administrative interfaces without providing valid credentials, enabling them to manipulate device configuration, access sensitive operational data, or perform other privileged actions. This weakness falls under the category of improper authentication as defined by CWE-287, which specifically addresses authentication mechanisms that are insufficient or improperly implemented. The vulnerability allows for remote code execution and administrative control, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such devices control critical infrastructure operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-9944 is severe for organizations utilizing Siemens 7KT PAC1200 devices in their industrial control systems. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain full administrative control over the affected devices, potentially leading to unauthorized configuration changes, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network without requiring physical access to the device, significantly expanding the attack surface. This vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Initial Access' and 'Privilege Escalation' phases, where attackers can establish persistent access and elevate their privileges to administrative levels. Organizations operating these devices face potential operational disruptions, data integrity compromises, and increased risk of cascading failures within their industrial control networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9944 should include immediate firmware updates to version 2.03 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to port 80/tcp to only authorized personnel and systems. Organizations should also consider disabling the web interface entirely if it is not required for operations, or implementing additional network-based controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and restrict access attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other industrial control system components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware in industrial environments and highlights the need for proper security controls in operational technology systems, as outlined in NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security.