(PT-2014-15) Positive Technologies Security Advisory
Privilege Gaining in Siemens SIMATIC WinCC

Vulnerable platform

SIMATIC WinCC
Version: 7.2 and earlier

SIMATIC PCS7
Version: 8.0 and earlier

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

Severity level

Severity level: Medium
Impact: Privilege Gaining
Access Vector: Local

CVSS v2:
Base Score: 4.6
Vector: (AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P)

CVE: CVE-2014-4685

Platform 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.

Vulnerability description

The specialists of the Positive Research center have detected a Privilege Gaining vulnerability in SIMATIC WinCC.

Access permissions on system objects could allow a local user to obtain limited escalated privileges within the operating system.

How to fix

Update your software up to the latest version

Advisory status

19.03.2014 - Vendor gets vulnerability details
23.07.2014 - Vendor releases fixed version and details
29.07.2014 - Public disclosure

Credits

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

References

http://en.securitylab.ru/lab/PT-2014-15
http://www.siemens.com/innovation/pool/de/forschungsfelder/siemens_security_advisory_ssa-214365.pdf

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+