CVE-2018-17904 in SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
Reliance 4 SCADA/HMI, Version 4.7.3 Update 3 and prior. This vulnerability could allow an unauthorized attacker to inject arbitrary code.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2020
The CVE-2018-17904 vulnerability affects Reliance 4 SCADA/HMI systems running version 4.7.3 Update 3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized code injection attacks. This industrial control system component serves as a human-machine interface for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, making it a prime target for sophisticated cyber threats. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the system's communication protocols and data handling processes, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to compromise industrial operations.
This flaw manifests as a code injection vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the system environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user inputs are not properly sanitized before being processed by the SCADA system, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate system behavior through crafted malicious inputs. The technical implementation involves insufficient validation of external data sources, allowing attackers to inject malicious code sequences that bypass normal execution controls and gain elevated privileges within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise to potentially disrupt critical industrial processes and endanger physical infrastructure. Attackers could manipulate control signals, alter operational parameters, or gain persistent access to industrial networks, creating cascading effects that might compromise entire production facilities. The vulnerability particularly threatens environments where Reliance 4 SCADA systems control critical infrastructure such as power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing processes, where unauthorized system access could lead to significant financial losses, safety hazards, or environmental damage.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including system updates to the latest available versions that address the code injection flaw, network segmentation to isolate SCADA environments from general corporate networks, and enhanced monitoring of system communications for suspicious activities. Security controls should incorporate input validation mechanisms, regular vulnerability assessments, and network intrusion detection systems specifically tuned to identify exploitation attempts targeting industrial control systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both the technical flaw and potential exploitation patterns.