PT-2013-43: Hard-coded credentials in Siemens WinCC and SIMATIC PCS 7

Vulnerable software

Siemens WinCC
Version: 7.2 and earlier

Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7
Version: 8.0 SP1 and earlier

Application link:
http://www.siemens.com/

Severity level

Severity level: High
Impact: Unauthorized access, DoS
Access Vector: Remote  

CVSS v2:
Base Score: 7.5
Vector: (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P)

CVE: CVE-2013-3958

Software description

Siemens WinCC is a part of Siemens SIMATIC HMI software that aimed to provide connection between an operator and PLCs that manage technological processes. The WebNavigator component of WinCC gives the users the possibility to control their plants via the web browser with the same look-and-feel like local operator stations.

Vulnerability description

The specialists of the Positive Research center have detected a vulnerability in Siemens WinCC and SIMATIC PCS 7 related to hard-coded credentials used in the login system .

Attackers with network access and knowledge of the credentials could log into the Web Navigator Web applications as an authenticated user. This could allow the attacker to execute any system action provided to an authenticated user.

How to fix

Update your software up to the latest version

Advisory status

03.03.2013 - Vendor gets vulnerability details
14.06.2013 - Vendor releases fixed version and details
03.07.2013 - Public disclosure

Credits

The vulnerability was detected by Alexander Tlyapov, Positive Research Center (Positive Technologies Company)

References

http://en.securitylab.ru/lab/PT-2013-43
http://www.siemens.com/corporate-technology/pool/de/forschungsfelder/siemens_security_advisory_ssa-345843.pdf
https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-13-169-02

Reports on the vulnerabilities previously discovered by Positive Research:

http://ptsecurity.com/research/advisory/
http://en.securitylab.ru/lab/

Threatscape