CVE-2020-7547 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 a user the ability to perform actions via the web interface at a higher privilege level.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7547 represents a critical access control flaw classified under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms within software systems. This weakness affects EcoStruxure and SmartStruxure Power Monitoring and SCADA software solutions, which are industrial control systems designed for monitoring and managing power infrastructure in enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate privilege validation within the web-based management interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to escalate their privileges and execute administrative functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the web interface, effectively bypassing the normal access controls that should restrict users to their designated privilege levels. When a user attempts to access system functions through the web interface, the application fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary permissions for the requested action. This flaw enables an attacker to perform operations that should only be available to administrators or users with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can result in significant disruption to critical infrastructure operations. Industrial control systems like those affected by CVE-2020-7547 are designed to manage power distribution, environmental controls, and other essential services within facilities. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially shut down power systems, alter monitoring parameters, or manipulate data used for operational decision making. The implications are particularly severe in environments where power monitoring and SCADA systems control critical infrastructure such as data centers, manufacturing facilities, or healthcare institutions.
The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers can leverage this flaw to gain elevated system access without proper authentication. The weakness also relates to defense evasion tactics since the compromised system may not properly log or detect unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Organizations implementing these software solutions should consider the broader security implications of such vulnerabilities within their industrial control system environments, particularly in contexts where operational technology and information technology systems intersect.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7547 should focus on immediate patch deployment from the vendor, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems. Additional controls including enhanced monitoring of administrative activities, regular privilege reviews, and implementation of multi-factor authentication for administrative access can help reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar access control weaknesses that may exist within their broader operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining robust access control mechanisms in industrial environments where system integrity directly impacts operational safety and business continuity.