CVE-2017-9956 in U.motion Builder
Summary
by MITRE
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric's U.motion Builder software versions 1.2.1 and prior in which the system contains a hard-coded valid session. An attacker can use that session ID as part of the HTTP cookie of a web request, resulting in authentication bypass
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9956 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Schneider Electric's U.motion Builder software, specifically affecting versions 1.2.1 and earlier. This issue stems from the improper implementation of session management within the web-based interface of the industrial automation software. The flaw manifests as a hard-coded session identifier that remains static across all system instances, creating a persistent security weakness that fundamentally undermines the authentication mechanism. Such a design decision violates fundamental security principles and creates an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to privileged system functionalities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of a hardcoded session identifier within the software's web application code. When users interact with the U.motion Builder interface, the system generates HTTP cookies containing this predetermined session ID, which remains unchanged regardless of user authentication status or system configuration. This hardcoded value essentially creates a backdoor that bypasses all normal authentication procedures, as the system accepts any request containing this specific session identifier without validating user credentials or authorization levels. The flaw directly corresponds to CWE-257, which addresses the storage of sensitive information in a hardcoded format, and represents a classic example of insecure session management that violates the principle of least privilege.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the industrial control environment. An attacker who discovers or guesses this hardcoded session ID can gain access to the full administrative interface of the U.motion Builder software, potentially enabling them to modify project configurations, access sensitive industrial data, or manipulate automation processes. This vulnerability poses significant risks to operational technology environments where the software is deployed, as it could facilitate lateral movement within industrial networks or provide a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which describes valid accounts usage, as the hardcoded session effectively provides unauthorized access using legitimate system credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9956 require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams responsible for industrial control systems. The primary remediation involves upgrading to Schneider Electric's patched versions of U.motion Builder software, which address the hardcoded session issue through proper session management implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running the vulnerable software, particularly within operational technology environments. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious cookie usage patterns, implementing web application firewalls to detect anomalous authentication requests, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of industrial control systems to identify similar hardcoded credentials. Security teams should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and regular security audits to prevent similar issues in other industrial software components.