CVE-2017-9967 in SCADA Software
Summary
by MITRE
A security misconfiguration vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric's IGSS SCADA Software versions 12 and prior. Security configuration settings such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution prevention (DEP) were not properly configured resulting in weak security.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2021
The security misconfiguration vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9967 affects Schneider Electric's IGSS SCADA software versions 12 and earlier, representing a critical weakness in the operational technology security posture of industrial control systems. This vulnerability stems from improper implementation of fundamental security mechanisms that are essential for protecting against exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities. The affected software fails to properly configure critical operating system security features that are designed to prevent exploitation of common attack vectors targeting industrial control systems.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper configuration of Address Space Layout Randomization and Data Execution Prevention mechanisms, both of which are core security mitigations that significantly complicate exploitation attempts by attackers. Address Space Layout Randomization randomizes the memory layout of processes, making it extremely difficult for attackers to predict memory addresses for exploitation, while Data Execution Prevention blocks execution of code in non-executable memory regions. When these protections are disabled or improperly configured, attackers can more easily exploit buffer overflows, stack overflows, and other memory corruption vulnerabilities that may exist in the software. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-16: Configuration and CWE-119: Improper Access Control, as it represents a fundamental failure in system security configuration that leaves the software exposed to exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe in industrial environments where SCADA systems control critical infrastructure operations. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the industrial control system, potentially leading to disruption of critical processes, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The weakness in security configuration creates an environment where additional vulnerabilities within the IGSS software become more exploitable, as attackers no longer face the typical barriers that would normally prevent successful exploitation. This vulnerability is especially dangerous in environments where the SCADA system controls physical processes such as power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9967 should focus on implementing proper security configuration settings within the IGSS software environment. Organizations should ensure that Address Space Layout Randomization and Data Execution Prevention are properly enabled and configured for all processes running within the SCADA environment. This includes updating to newer versions of the IGSS software where these security features are properly implemented, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit access to the SCADA systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1072: Software Deployment Tools, as attackers may leverage the weakened security posture to deploy malicious payloads or establish persistence within the industrial control environment. Additionally, implementing proper security monitoring and logging within the SCADA environment can help detect exploitation attempts targeting these configuration weaknesses. Organizations should also consider implementing defense-in-depth strategies including network access controls, regular security assessments, and maintaining updated security configurations that align with industrial control system security best practices.