CVE-2019-6552 in WebAccess SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
Advantech WebAccess/SCADA, Versions 8.3.5 and prior. Multiple command injection vulnerabilities, caused by a lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, may allow remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2023
The CVE-2019-6552 vulnerability affects Advantech WebAccess/SCADA versions 8.3.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes industrial control systems to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the SCADA platform, creating exploitable pathways for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands into the system. The affected software serves as a critical component in industrial environments, managing and monitoring operational technology infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for critical infrastructure sectors including energy, water, and manufacturing. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full control over industrial processes and potentially cause physical damage to equipment.
The technical flaw manifests through command injection vulnerabilities that occur when user-supplied data is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the system. Attackers can craft malicious inputs that bypass validation checks and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system, effectively allowing them to perform actions as if they had legitimate administrative privileges. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 as "Command Injection," which represents a well-known weakness in software systems where untrusted input is directly incorporated into command execution contexts. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network connectivity is essential for system operation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-6552 extends far beyond traditional cybersecurity concerns, as it threatens the integrity and availability of industrial control systems that are fundamental to critical infrastructure operations. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized modification of process controls, data manipulation, or complete system compromise, potentially causing production disruptions, safety hazards, or environmental damage. The vulnerability's presence in SCADA systems particularly raises concerns about the broader attack surface, as these systems often operate in isolated networks but may still be accessible through various attack vectors including web interfaces, remote access protocols, or compromised endpoints. Organizations utilizing Advantech WebAccess/SCADA systems face significant risk of operational technology compromise, potentially affecting process automation, monitoring capabilities, and overall system reliability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6552 should prioritize immediate patch management and system updates to address the underlying validation flaws. Organizations must implement network segmentation to limit access to SCADA systems and establish strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from reaching vulnerable interfaces. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against command injection attacks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns and unauthorized system modifications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers may use these techniques to establish persistence and exfiltrate data. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in industrial control system environments, while personnel should be trained to recognize potential exploitation attempts and maintain awareness of the evolving threat landscape targeting operational technology infrastructure.