CVE-2019-10941 in SINEMA Server
Summary
by MITRE • 09/14/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in SINEMA Server (All versions < V14 SP3). Missing authentication for functionality that requires administrative user identity could allow an attacker to obtain encoded system configuration backup files. This is only possible through network access to the affected system, and successful exploitation requires no system privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-10941 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Siemens SINEMA Server software versions prior to V14 SP3. This issue falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and specifically manifests as a missing authentication check for administrative functionality. The SINEMA Server is a component designed for industrial communication and data management in industrial environments, making it a potential target for adversaries seeking to compromise operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability exists in the system's configuration backup handling process, where administrative privileges should be required to access encoded system configuration files but are not enforced.
The technical implementation of this flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to gain access to system configuration backup files through network-based attacks. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the application's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-287 - Improper Authentication, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where authentication mechanisms are insufficient or improperly implemented. The fact that no system privileges are required for exploitation indicates that the flaw is not dependent on local system access or elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely through network connections to the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as system configuration backups often contain sensitive operational data, network configurations, credentials, and system parameters that could be leveraged for further attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain detailed information about the target system's configuration, potentially enabling them to craft more sophisticated attacks against the industrial control systems. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries target system configuration data. The compromise of backup files could also provide attackers with insights into system architecture, network topology, and operational procedures, creating opportunities for lateral movement and privilege escalation within industrial networks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to SINEMA Server V14 SP3 or later versions where the authentication bypass has been addressed. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the affected systems to unauthorized network access. Additionally, monitoring for unusual network activity targeting the SINEMA Server components should be implemented as part of the overall security posture. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date industrial control system software and highlights the need for proper authentication mechanisms in all administrative functions. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as the attack vector is clearly network-based and can be detected through anomalous traffic patterns.