CVE-2018-7822 in SoMachine Basic
Summary
by MITRE
An Incorrect Default Permissions (CWE-276) vulnerability exists in SoMachine Basic, all versions, and Modicon M221(all references, all versions prior to firmware V1.10.0.0) which could cause unauthorized access to SoMachine Basic resource files when logged on the system hosting SoMachine Basic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-7822 represents a critical security flaw classified under CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect default permissions in software systems. This issue affects Schneider Electric's SoMachine Basic industrial automation software and Modicon M221 PLCs across all versions prior to firmware update V1.10.0.0. The flaw manifests as a misconfiguration in the default security settings that govern access to sensitive resource files within the SoMachine Basic environment. When a user logs into a system hosting SoMachine Basic, the vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to critical resource files that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper permission settings that are established during the software installation or system initialization process. These default permissions fail to adequately restrict access to sensitive configuration files, documentation, and resource libraries that contain potentially exploitable information. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism where any authenticated user can access files that contain system configurations, project data, and other sensitive information that should remain protected. This misconfiguration creates a scenario where the principle of least privilege is violated, allowing users to access resources beyond their intended scope of authorization.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to industrial control systems and manufacturing environments. The unauthorized access to resource files could enable attackers to extract sensitive project information, system configurations, or even identify potential attack vectors within the industrial network infrastructure. In the context of industrial cybersecurity, this vulnerability could facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as lateral movement within the network, privilege escalation, or the development of targeted attacks against specific PLCs or control systems. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it could provide attackers with insights into system architecture and operational procedures that are typically protected in industrial environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and defense evasion categories, where attackers can leverage weak default configurations to gain access to additional resources within the system. Organizations implementing SoMachine Basic and Modicon M221 systems should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where industrial control systems are connected to corporate networks or where physical security controls are inadequate. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the patched firmware versions mentioned in the advisory, specifically firmware V1.10.0.0 for Modicon M221 devices, and implementing proper access control measures that enforce least privilege principles for all system users. Additionally, security audits should be conducted to verify that default permissions have been properly configured and that no unauthorized access paths exist within the industrial automation environment.