CVE-2020-7545 in EcoStruxure
Summary
by MITRE • 12/01/2020
A CWE-284:Improper Access Control vulnerability exists in EcoStruxureª and SmartStruxureª Power Monitoring and SCADA Software (see security notification for version information) that could allow for arbitrary code execution on the server when an authorized user access an affected webpage.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw that affects Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure and SmartStruxure power monitoring and SCADA software systems. The issue stems from insufficient authorization checks within the web interface components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected servers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when authorized users interact with compromised webpages, suggesting that legitimate access credentials are required to exploit this weakness, though the underlying flaw allows for privilege escalation beyond normal user boundaries. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which categorizes improper access control conditions where system components fail to properly enforce authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access to resources or execution of privileged operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves web-based attack vectors that leverage existing user sessions to bypass normal access controls. When an authorized user navigates to a maliciously crafted webpage, the software fails to properly validate the request context or user permissions, enabling an attacker to inject and execute code with elevated privileges. This typically occurs through web application vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting flaws or improper input validation that allows attackers to manipulate the application's behavior. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond accessing the compromised webpage, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly interact with web-based monitoring interfaces. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to critical infrastructure monitoring data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of industrial control systems that rely on these monitoring platforms. Organizations using EcoStruxure and SmartStruxure software face significant risks including potential disruption of power monitoring operations, unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, and possible compromise of entire industrial control networks. The vulnerability affects the core SCADA functionality that monitors and controls critical infrastructure, making it particularly concerning for power distribution facilities, manufacturing plants, and other industrial environments where continuous operation is essential. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary code with server privileges could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive operational data, or even cause physical damage to equipment through malicious control commands.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application and network segmentation to limit exposure. Organizations must prioritize updating their EcoStruxure and SmartStruxure software to versions that address the specific access control flaws identified in the vulnerability. Network-level protections including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and restrict access to affected web interfaces. Implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits of web applications can help detect similar vulnerabilities in other system components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or code execution attempts on affected servers. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and regular penetration testing to identify other potential access control weaknesses within their industrial control systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that address both credential-based and execution-based attack vectors.