(PT-2013-77) Positive Technologies Security Advisory
Using a weak hashing algorithm in SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture

Vulnerable platform

SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture
Version: 3.12 and earlier

Link:
http://www.siemens.com/

Severity level

Severity level: High
Impact: Privilege Gaining
Access Vector: Remote

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

CVE: CVE-2014-1696

Platform description

SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture is a SCADA system for visualizing and operating processes, production flows, machines and plants in all lines of business.

Vulnerability description

The specialists of the Positive Research center have detected an Using a weak hashing algorithm vulnerability in SIMATIC WinCC Open Architecture.

The SIMATIC WinCC OA server application has a weak hashing algorithm for project users’ credentials. Attackers might be able to escalate their privileges within the affected WinCC OA server application using a brute-force attack.

How to fix

Update your software up to the latest version

Advisory status

29.05.2013 - Vendor gets vulnerability details
03.02.2014 - Vendor releases fixed version and details
14.02.2014 - Public disclosure

Credits

The vulnerability was detected by Gleb Gritsai and Ilya Karpov, Positive Research Center (Positive Technologies Company)

References

http://en.securitylab.ru/lab/PT-2013-77
http://www.siemens.com/innovation/pool/de/forschungsfelder/siemens_security_advisory_ssa-342587.pdf
https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-14-035-01

Reports on the vulnerabilities previously discovered by Positive Research:

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

About Positive Technologies

Positive Technologies is a leading provider of vulnerability assessment, compliance management and threat analysis solutions to more than 1,000 global enterprise clients. Our solutions work seamlessly across your entire business: securing applications in development; assessing your network and application vulnerabilities; assuring compliance with regulatory requirements; and blocking real-time attacks. Our commitment to clients and research has earned Positive Technologies a reputation as one of the foremost authorities on SCADA, Banking, Telecom, Web Application and ERP security, and distinction as the #1 fastest growing Security and Vulnerability Management firm in 2012, as shown in an IDC report*. To learn more about Positive Technologies please visit www.ptsecurity.com

*Source: IDC Worldwide Security and Vulnerability Management 2013-2017 Forecast and 2012 Vendor Shares, doc #242465, August 2013. Based on year-over-year revenue growth in 2012 for vendors with revenues of $20M+