CVE-2018-13808 in CP 1604
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in CP 1604 (All versions < V2.8), CP 1616 (All versions < V2.8). An attacker with network access to port 23/tcp could extract internal communication data or cause a Denial-of-Service condition. Successful exploitation requires network access to a vulnerable device. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this vulnerability was known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2023
This vulnerability affects Siemens CP 1604 and CP 1616 communication processors, which are part of the SIMATIC family of industrial automation products designed for industrial Ethernet communication. The affected devices operate with firmware versions prior to V2.8, representing a critical security gap in industrial control systems that could compromise operational technology environments. These processors serve as essential communication interfaces in industrial settings, facilitating data exchange between various automation components and network infrastructure. The vulnerability manifests through the Telnet service running on port 23/tcp, which is typically used for remote administration and device management in industrial environments. The flaw represents a fundamental weakness in the device's security architecture, as it exposes sensitive internal communication data and provides opportunities for service disruption that could impact critical infrastructure operations.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms and insufficient input validation within the Telnet service implementation. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can establish connections to the affected devices through the unencrypted Telnet protocol on port 23, potentially gaining access to internal communication streams that should remain protected within the industrial network boundary. This weakness aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to improper access control mechanisms in network services. The vulnerability allows for both information disclosure and denial-of-service conditions, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where continuous operation is critical. The lack of encryption in the Telnet protocol means that any data transmitted between the attacker and the device, including potential credentials or communication metadata, could be intercepted and analyzed by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network access, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to disrupt industrial processes or extract sensitive operational data that could be used for further targeting. Industrial control systems often contain proprietary process information, operational parameters, and communication protocols that are valuable to adversaries seeking to understand or manipulate critical infrastructure. The vulnerability could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, map internal network topologies, or gather intelligence about the operational environment. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1071 Application Layer Protocol, where attackers can leverage unsecured network services to establish footholds within industrial networks. The potential for denial-of-service conditions could result in production interruptions, safety system degradation, or cascading failures that impact broader operational capabilities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware upgrades to version 2.8 or later, which would address the underlying authentication and input validation issues. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while also employing network monitoring to detect unauthorized Telnet connections. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as disabling unnecessary services, using secure remote access protocols like SSH instead of Telnet, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of industrial control system components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in operational technology environments and demonstrates the critical need for robust network security practices in industrial settings where the consequences of security breaches can extend far beyond traditional information technology impacts.