CVE-2019-18296 in SPPA-T3000 MS3000 Migration Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in SPPA-T3000 MS3000 Migration Server (All versions). An attacker with network access to the MS3000 Server could trigger a Denial-of-Service condition and potentially gain remote code execution by sending specifically crafted packets to port 5010/tcp. This vulnerability is independent from CVE-2019-18289, CVE-2019-18293, and CVE-2019-18295. Please note that an attacker needs to have network access to the MS3000 in order to exploit this vulnerability. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18296 affects the SPPA-T3000 MS3000 Migration Server, a critical component in industrial automation environments. This device serves as a migration server for Siemens SPPA-T3000 systems, which are widely deployed in power generation and process control applications. The vulnerability exists within the server's network communication handling mechanisms, specifically targeting the TCP port 5010 service that facilitates migration operations between different system versions. The affected system represents a significant operational technology (OT) asset where security breaches could potentially impact critical infrastructure operations.
The technical flaw manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs when the MS3000 Migration Server processes specially crafted network packets sent to port 5010. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the server's network protocol handler. When malformed packets are received, the system fails to properly validate the packet structure and size, leading to memory corruption that can cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The improper handling of network input data creates a path for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it presents a potential pathway for remote code execution within industrial control environments. An attacker with network access to the MS3000 server could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized control over the migration server, potentially compromising the entire SPPA-T3000 system. This risk is particularly concerning in power generation facilities where such systems control critical processes including turbine operations, boiler management, and electrical grid integration. The vulnerability's exploitation requires network access to the target system, but once achieved, it could enable attackers to disrupt operations, modify system configurations, or escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-18296 should prioritize network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the MS3000 Migration Server to untrusted networks. Implementing network access control lists to restrict traffic to port 5010 to only authorized management systems provides a fundamental defense mechanism. Additionally, organizations should deploy network monitoring solutions capable of detecting anomalous packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of industrial control systems should include vulnerability scanning of OT assets to identify similar weaknesses. The remediation process requires applying vendor-provided patches or updates to the MS3000 Migration Server software, as no workarounds exist for this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored for OT environments. The vulnerability's independence from other related CVEs indicates that each issue requires separate remediation efforts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs in industrial automation systems.