CVE-2022-0221 in SCADAPack Workbench
Summary
by MITRE • 04/13/2022
A CWE-611: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerability exists that could result in information disclosure when opening a malicious solution file provided by an attacker with SCADAPack Workbench. This could be exploited to pass data from local files to a remote system controlled by an attacker. Affected Product: SCADAPack Workbench (6.6.8a and prior)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0221 represents a critical security flaw classified under CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity references. This weakness manifests within SCADAPack Workbench version 6.6.8a and earlier iterations, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability arises from the application's insufficient validation of XML entities when processing solution files, particularly those crafted by malicious actors to contain malicious external entity declarations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of XML data structures within solution files that the SCADAPack Workbench application processes. When an attacker crafts a malicious solution file containing specially constructed XML external entity references, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs, allowing the system to resolve external entities and potentially access local files on the victim's system. This flaw enables attackers to construct payloads that can exfiltrate data from local resources and transmit it to remote systems controlled by the attacker, effectively creating a data exfiltration channel that bypasses normal security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within industrial control system environments. SCADAPack Workbench is typically used in critical infrastructure settings where the confidentiality and integrity of system configurations and operational data are paramount. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive operational parameters, configuration files, or other critical data that could compromise the security posture of the entire industrial network. This risk is particularly concerning in environments where SCADA systems are connected to enterprise networks, as it could provide a foothold for lateral movement and more extensive compromise.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1074.001 (Data Staged) and T1567.002 (Exfiltration Over Web Service), as it enables data staging and exfiltration through malicious file manipulation. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1213.002 (Data from Cloud Storage) and T1041 (Exfiltration Over C2 Channel) when considering the potential for data transmission to attacker-controlled systems. Organizations implementing SCADAPack Workbench should consider this vulnerability within their broader threat modeling exercises, particularly when evaluating risks associated with file processing in industrial control environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0221 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to version 6.6.9 or later, which contains patches addressing the XML external entity processing vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement strict file validation policies that prevent the processing of untrusted solution files, particularly those received from external sources or unverified internal users. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file processing activities or outbound network connections that could indicate data exfiltration attempts. Security awareness training for personnel who handle solution files should emphasize the risks associated with opening files from untrusted sources, as social engineering remains a common initial attack vector for such vulnerabilities.