CVE-2020-10044 in SICAM MMU
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in SICAM MMU (All versions < V2.05), SICAM SGU (All versions), SICAM T (All versions < V2.18). An attacker with access to the network could be able to install specially crafted firmware to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2020
This vulnerability resides within Siemens industrial automation products including SICAM MMU SICAM SGU and SICAM T devices across multiple software versions. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows unauthorized firmware installation through network access, potentially enabling full device compromise and operational disruption. The vulnerability affects all versions of SICAM MMU prior to V2.05 SICAM SGU across all versions and SICAM T prior to V2.18. This represents a significant risk to industrial control systems where these devices are deployed.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient authentication and authorization mechanisms during firmware update processes. Attackers can exploit this weakness by gaining network access to the affected devices and then uploading malicious firmware images that will be executed by the target systems. The vulnerability lacks proper cryptographic verification of firmware integrity and does not enforce strict access controls during the update procedure. This allows attackers to bypass normal security measures and install unauthorized code that can alter device behavior and potentially create backdoors. The flaw essentially provides a path for attackers to gain persistent control over industrial devices without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple device compromise. Industrial control systems relying on these Siemens devices face potential operational disruptions including process interruptions, safety system failures, and complete system compromise. Attackers could potentially manipulate industrial processes, cause equipment damage, or create conditions that lead to hazardous situations in manufacturing environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in critical infrastructure sectors where these devices are commonly deployed, as it could enable attackers to cause widespread operational damage. The ability to install custom firmware means attackers can modify device functionality in ways that may not be immediately apparent to operators, creating stealthy attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate network segmentation and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to affected devices. Organizations should implement strict network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Device firmware should be updated to the latest available versions that contain patches for this vulnerability. Network access controls including firewalls and access lists should be configured to restrict access to these devices to authorized personnel only. Additionally implementing secure remote access solutions with strong authentication mechanisms can help prevent unauthorized access. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their industrial control systems and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk levels. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1547001 Registry Run Keys and Startup Folder.