CVE-2018-4860 in M875
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in SCALANCE M875 (All versions). An authenticated remote attacker with access to the web interface (443/tcp), could execute arbitrary operating system commands. Successful exploitation requires that the attacker has network access to the web interface. The attacker must be authenticated as administrative user to exploit the security vulnerability. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the device. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The SCALANCE M875 is a industrial network device manufactured by Siemens that serves as a web-based management interface for industrial automation systems. This device operates on TCP port 443 and provides remote administrative access through a web interface, making it a critical component in industrial control systems where network accessibility is essential for operational management. The vulnerability resides within the device's web interface implementation, specifically in how it handles user input during administrative operations, creating a pathway for command injection attacks that can compromise the entire device.
The technical flaw in CVE-2018-4860 represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary commands through improper input validation. The vulnerability occurs when the device fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into operating system commands. An authenticated administrative user can manipulate the web interface to inject malicious commands that are then executed with the privileges of the web server process, typically running with elevated system permissions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in industrial environments where devices often run with root or administrator privileges and are critical to operational continuity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially compromise entire industrial control networks. When exploited successfully, an attacker can gain complete control over the SCALANCE M875 device, enabling them to modify network configurations, disable security features, or establish persistent access points within the industrial network infrastructure. The attack requires authentication as an administrative user, which means that the vulnerability is not exploitable from outside the network perimeter, but once inside, it provides a powerful foothold for further lateral movement within the industrial control system. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of commands through legitimate system interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4860 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most direct solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or firmware updates that address the command injection vulnerability in the web interface. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces to only authorized personnel and systems. Additional security controls include enforcing strong authentication mechanisms, implementing network access controls through firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in industrial network devices, as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of industrial control systems are essential to identify similar weaknesses that could provide attackers with similar levels of access and control over critical infrastructure components.