CVE-2021-32002 in SiteManager
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2021
Improper Access Control vulnerability in web service of Secomea SiteManager allows local attacker without credentials to gather network information and configuration of the SiteManager. This issue affects: Secomea SiteManager All versions prior to 9.5 on Hardware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2021
The CVE-2021-32002 vulnerability represents a critical improper access control flaw within Secomea SiteManager web service components that affects all versions prior to 9.5 on hardware platforms. This vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms and authorization controls within the web service interface, allowing unauthenticated local attackers to exploit the system and gain access to sensitive network information and configuration data. The flaw exists at the application layer where the web service fails to properly validate user credentials or enforce access restrictions, creating an entry point for malicious actors who may be physically present within the network environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the web service interface of SiteManager, which serves as the primary management and monitoring platform for industrial network devices, making it a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking to understand and potentially compromise industrial control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web service failing to properly implement authentication checks before exposing sensitive endpoints that contain network configuration details, device information, and system parameters. An attacker with local network access can directly query these unprotected endpoints without requiring valid credentials, thereby bypassing the intended security controls that should restrict access to authorized personnel only. This improper access control condition is classified as a weakness in the authorization mechanism, aligning with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in software applications. The vulnerability enables information disclosure through the exposure of network configuration data, device identifiers, and potentially sensitive operational parameters that could be used for further exploitation or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-32002 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable intelligence about the network infrastructure and device configurations that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. Local attackers who can access the network segment where SiteManager is deployed can gather comprehensive information about network topology, device types, communication protocols, and system configurations that would normally be restricted to authorized administrators. This intelligence gathering capability represents a significant risk to industrial control systems security, as it enables attackers to develop more sophisticated attack strategies and potentially identify additional vulnerabilities within the network. The exposure of configuration data could also facilitate lateral movement attacks or help attackers craft more convincing social engineering attempts against system administrators.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-32002 should focus on implementing proper access control measures and upgrading to Secomea SiteManager version 9.5 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the improper access control vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit local access to critical systems, enforce strict physical security controls, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity related to the SiteManager web service. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar access control weaknesses in other network components and ensure that all network services properly implement authentication and authorization checks. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary web service interfaces when not required, implementing network access controls, and establishing proper monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security configurations and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect industrial control systems from both external and internal threats, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for industrial control system security considerations.