CVE-2022-33137 in SIMATIC MV540 H
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2022
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC MV540 H (All versions < V3.3), SIMATIC MV540 S (All versions < V3.3), SIMATIC MV550 H (All versions < V3.3), SIMATIC MV550 S (All versions < V3.3), SIMATIC MV560 U (All versions < V3.3), SIMATIC MV560 X (All versions < V3.3). The web session management of affected devices does not invalidate session ids in certain logout scenarios. This could allow an authenticated remote attacker to hijack other users' sessions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2022
This vulnerability resides in Siemens industrial automation devices including MV540 and MV550 series controllers, specifically affecting versions prior to V3.3. The issue manifests in the web session management implementation where session identifiers fail to be properly invalidated during certain logout processes. This represents a critical security flaw that directly impacts the authentication and authorization mechanisms of these industrial control systems. The vulnerability affects multiple variants within the SIMATIC MV product line, indicating a systemic weakness in the session management architecture that requires immediate attention across the entire affected product portfolio.
The technical flaw stems from improper session handling during logout operations, creating a session hijacking opportunity for authenticated remote attackers. When users log out from the web interface of these devices, the system fails to properly terminate or invalidate the session identifier, allowing an attacker who has gained access to a valid session token to maintain access to the system beyond the intended logout period. This weakness operates at the application layer and specifically targets the session management component of the web interface, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where operational technology systems require robust security controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration, and represents a classic session management flaw that has been documented in numerous security assessments across industrial control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond typical web application security concerns due to the industrial nature of the affected systems. In industrial environments, these controllers often manage critical processes and may be connected to operational technology networks where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The ability for an attacker to hijack active user sessions means they can potentially access sensitive operational data, modify system configurations, or execute unauthorized commands within the industrial control environment. This threat is particularly concerning given that these devices are often deployed in critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing, energy, and water treatment facilities where system integrity and availability are paramount. The vulnerability enables persistent unauthorized access that could remain undetected for extended periods, making it a serious concern for industrial cybersecurity programs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates to versions V3.3 or later where the session management has been corrected. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these industrial devices to authorized personnel only, and establish robust monitoring for unusual login patterns or session activity. Additional controls may include implementing strong authentication mechanisms such as two-factor authentication, regularly reviewing and rotating session tokens, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of industrial control systems. The remediation process should follow established industrial cybersecurity frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and IEC 62443 standards for industrial automation and control systems security. Security teams should also consider implementing network access controls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security training for industrial personnel and adherence to secure configuration practices will further reduce the risk of exploitation in operational environments.