CVE-2020-11642 in SiteManager
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2020
The local file inclusion vulnerability present in B&R SiteManager versions
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2020
The local file inclusion vulnerability in B&R SiteManager versions represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms within the application's code execution flow. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is subsequently used in file operations. The flaw exists in the way the software handles file paths and inclusion directives, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can enable attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or even execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified as a local file inclusion issue which means that attackers can leverage this flaw to include local files from the server rather than remote resources, making the attack surface more contained yet potentially more impactful. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Filename for File Inclusion" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" when exploitation involves executing malicious commands through file inclusion mechanisms. The affected B&R SiteManager versions likely process user input without proper sanitization before using it in file system operations, creating a direct path for privilege escalation and data exfiltration.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious input that manipulates the application's file inclusion logic to reference unintended files on the target system. Attackers can leverage directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate the filesystem and access files outside of the intended scope. The vulnerability may also be exploitable through parameter manipulation in web requests where the application uses user-provided parameters to determine which files to include or process. When successful, this attack vector can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system information, including but not limited to configuration files, log files, and potentially database connection strings. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers can potentially upload malicious files or execute arbitrary code on the server, depending on the application's configuration and the permissions of the running process. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial control systems where B&R SiteManager is commonly deployed, as it could potentially compromise critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability's exploitation often requires minimal privileges and can be automated through various attack frameworks, making it a high-risk target for both automated scanning tools and targeted attacks.
Organizations utilizing B&R SiteManager versions affected by CVE-2020-11642 must implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect their systems from exploitation. The primary remediation approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the specific file inclusion vulnerability in the software. System administrators should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at all entry points where user data is processed, particularly in file inclusion contexts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of the affected applications to untrusted networks and users. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the broader IT infrastructure. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local file inclusion issue makes it particularly susceptible to automated exploitation, therefore organizations should consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to traverse directories within the application's file system. Compliance with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 should be maintained to ensure proper vulnerability management processes are in place. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive incident response procedures that specifically address file inclusion vulnerabilities and their potential impact on industrial control systems and operational technology environments.