CVE-2020-9474 in SG 150-0 Smart Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
The S. Siedle & Soehne SG 150-0 Smart Gateway before 1.2.4 allows remote code execution via the backup functionality in the web frontend. By using an exploit chain, an attacker with access to the network can get root access on the gateway.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2020
The CVE-2020-9474 vulnerability affects the S. Siedle & Soehne SG 150-0 Smart Gateway device, which represents a critical security flaw in industrial IoT infrastructure. This vulnerability resides within the device's backup functionality accessible through the web frontend interface, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on secure access control systems. The affected device operates in environments where physical security is paramount, such as corporate facilities, government buildings, and critical infrastructure sites where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruptions or security breaches.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the backup feature implementation, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that executes with root privileges on the target system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-79 categories, representing code injection and cross-site scripting flaws that enable remote code execution when combined with appropriate exploitation techniques. The attack vector requires only network-level access to the device, eliminating the need for physical presence or elevated privileges, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation grants complete system control including the ability to modify access credentials, alter security configurations, and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure connected to the gateway. This represents a significant risk for organizations using the device as part of their access control systems, where unauthorized individuals could gain entry to restricted areas or disrupt critical operations. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it affects devices deployed in sensitive environments where security is paramount, making it a prime target for both opportunistic attacks and targeted campaigns.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates to version 1.2.4 or later, which address the input validation issues in the backup functionality. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the device to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous backup activities or unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts targeting the specific vulnerability, as the attack pattern follows established techniques documented in the attack mitigation framework. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control systems and IoT devices within the organization's infrastructure.