CVE-2018-5313 in Scada
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privilege on Rapid Scada 5.5.0 because of weak C:\SCADA permissions. The specific flaw exists within the access control that is set and modified during the installation of the product. The product sets weak access control restrictions. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code under the context of Administrator, the IUSR account, or SYSTEM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5313 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Rapid Scada version 5.5.0 that stems from inadequate access control implementation during software installation. This weakness creates a persistent security gap that allows local attackers to elevate their privileges to the highest system levels, effectively compromising the entire system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it originates from the installation process itself, meaning that any system running the affected version is inherently vulnerable from the moment it is installed. The flaw manifests through insufficient permission settings on the C:\SCADA directory, which serves as the primary installation location for Rapid Scada components. This directory structure becomes a critical attack vector because it contains sensitive application files and configuration data that require elevated privileges to modify. The weak permissions are not merely a configuration oversight but represent a fundamental flaw in how the software handles security boundaries during deployment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installation process failing to properly enforce access control lists and permission structures that should normally restrict access to system-critical directories. When Rapid Scada is installed, it creates the C:\SCADA directory with permissions that allow local users to modify files and directories that should normally be restricted to administrative accounts. This misconfiguration creates a situation where an attacker with local access can manipulate core application components, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the IUSR account and SYSTEM context, which means that even if an attacker cannot directly log in as an administrator, they can still execute code with elevated privileges through these compromised accounts. This weakness aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permission assignment, and demonstrates how inadequate access control during installation can create persistent security vulnerabilities. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that should protect system integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5313 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over industrial control systems that are typically considered critical infrastructure. In environments where Rapid Scada is deployed for monitoring and control of industrial processes, this vulnerability can lead to catastrophic consequences including system disruption, data manipulation, and potential safety hazards. The attack surface is particularly broad because local access is often more easily obtained than remote access, especially in industrial environments where physical security may be less stringent. Once an attacker achieves privilege escalation, they can modify application logic, access sensitive operational data, or even cause system failures that could impact production processes. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and demonstrates how installation-time misconfigurations can create long-term security weaknesses that persist until properly addressed.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement remediation measures that include proper access control configuration, manual permission adjustments, and comprehensive system hardening. The recommended mitigation strategy involves manually setting appropriate permissions on the C:\SCADA directory structure to ensure that only authorized accounts have access to critical system components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege controls and regular security audits to identify similar misconfigurations in other installed software. System administrators should also review and update their installation procedures to ensure that proper access control measures are implemented during software deployment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper software installation security practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues during installation can create significant security risks. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial control systems and ensure that proper security controls are maintained throughout the system lifecycle.