CVE-2024-49704 in COMOS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/10/2024
A vulnerability has been identified in COMOS V10.3 (All versions < V10.3.3.5.8), COMOS V10.4.0 (All versions), COMOS V10.4.1 (All versions), COMOS V10.4.2 (All versions), COMOS V10.4.3 (All versions < V10.4.3.0.47), COMOS V10.4.4 (All versions < V10.4.4.2), COMOS V10.4.4.1 (All versions < V10.4.4.1.21). The Generic Data Mapper, the Engineering Adapter, and the Engineering Interface improperly handle XML External Entity (XXE) entries when parsing configuration and mapping files. This could allow an attacker to extract any file with a known location on the user's system or accessible network folders by persuading a user to use a maliciously crafted configuration or mapping file in one of the affected components.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical XML External Entity processing flaw that affects multiple versions of Siemens COMOS software across various release streams. The issue manifests within the Generic Data Mapper, Engineering Adapter, and Engineering Interface components that handle configuration and mapping files through XML parsing mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and secure XML processing practices, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's XML parser through crafted external entity references. The flaw specifically impacts all versions prior to the mentioned patch releases, creating a substantial attack surface across different COMOS versions including V10.3, V10.4.0 through V10.4.4.1, demonstrating the widespread nature of this configuration weakness.
The technical exploitation of this XXE vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized file access operations on systems running affected COMOS versions. When users open maliciously crafted configuration or mapping files, the XML parser processes external entity declarations that can reference local system files or network resources. This capability allows for arbitrary file read operations where attackers can access files with known system paths or network accessible locations. The vulnerability essentially provides a means to bypass normal access controls and extract sensitive data from the target system. The attack vector requires user interaction through the normal use of the affected software components, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly process configuration files from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exfiltration to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems. In industrial environments where COMOS is deployed for engineering and configuration management, this vulnerability could enable attackers to access critical system configuration files, engineering data, or even sensitive operational parameters. The vulnerability's ability to access network folders increases the risk of lateral movement within industrial networks, potentially allowing attackers to discover additional targets for exploitation. Organizations using COMOS for critical infrastructure management face significant risk as this vulnerability could be leveraged to gain insights into system architecture, operational procedures, and potentially sensitive engineering designs. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be executed through social engineering campaigns targeting users to open malicious files.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software patching to versions that address the XXE processing vulnerability, specifically targeting the mentioned patch releases for each affected version stream. Organizations must implement strict file validation procedures and user education to prevent accidental execution of malicious configuration files. The implementation of secure XML parsing practices, including disabling external entity processing and using secure parsers, should be enforced across all affected components. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to read system files through the affected software components. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their industrial control environments, as this vulnerability may indicate broader security configuration issues. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-611 (Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference) and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework category T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1566 (Phishing) for initial access vectors.