CVE-2019-6854 in EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert
Summary
by MITRE
A CWE-264 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls vulnerability exists in a folder within EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert (ClearSCADA) -with initial releases before 1 January 2019- which could cause a low privilege user to delete or modify database, setting or certificate files. Those users must have access to the file system of that operating system to exploit this vulnerability. Affected versions in current support includes ClearSCADA 2017 R3, ClearSCADA 2017 R2, and ClearSCADA 2017.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6854 represents a critical permissions and access control weakness within EcoStruxure Geo SCADA Expert, specifically affecting ClearSCADA implementations released before January 1, 2019. This flaw manifests as a CWE-264 vulnerability, which falls under the broader category of access control weaknesses that can lead to unauthorized system modifications. The affected component is a specific folder within the ClearSCADA architecture that contains sensitive database files, system settings, and certificate configurations that are essential for maintaining the integrity and security of industrial control systems. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it allows low privilege users to perform destructive actions including deletion and modification of critical system files.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess file system access to the underlying operating system where ClearSCADA is installed. This prerequisite means that the attack vector is not purely network-based but rather depends on having local system access, which could be obtained through various means such as legitimate user credentials, compromised accounts, or physical access to the system. Once an attacker gains this local access, they can leverage the improper permissions assigned to the vulnerable folder to manipulate database contents, alter system configurations, or modify certificate files that are crucial for authentication and secure communications within the SCADA environment. The vulnerability essentially creates a privilege escalation path that allows users with minimal system privileges to perform actions typically restricted to administrators or system operators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as it can severely compromise the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. Database modifications could lead to corrupted operational data, while changes to system settings might disrupt normal operations or create security gaps that could be exploited further. Certificate file alterations pose particular risks as they can undermine the entire security infrastructure of the SCADA system, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate system components or intercept communications. The affected versions including ClearSCADA 2017 R3, ClearSCADA 2017 R2, and ClearSCADA 2017 represent a significant portion of the deployed industrial control systems that require immediate attention and remediation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence, as it enables attackers to maintain access and control over critical infrastructure components. The risk is particularly elevated in industrial environments where SCADA systems manage critical infrastructure, as unauthorized modifications can lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to industrial processes.
Organizations utilizing affected ClearSCADA versions should implement immediate mitigations including proper access control enforcement, regular security audits, and systematic review of file system permissions for the vulnerable folder. System administrators should ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the file system and that appropriate least privilege principles are enforced. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in industrial control systems and aligns with security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security. Regular patching and vulnerability management processes become critical in preventing exploitation of such weaknesses, as the vulnerability's existence in multiple released versions indicates a systemic issue in the access control implementation that requires comprehensive remediation rather than simple configuration changes.