Siemens Climatix POL909

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• CVSS v3 6.5
• ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
• Vendor: Siemens
• Equipment: Climatix POL909 (AWB and AWM modules)
• Vulnerabilities: Cross-site Scripting, Improper Access Control

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an unauthenticated attacker to hijack and redirect users to a malicious webpage or allow an authenticated attacker to access sensitive files.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of Climatix POL909 (AWM and AWB modules), advanced web modules, are affected:

• Climatix POL909 (AWM module): All versions prior to v11.34
• Climatix POL909 (AWB module): All versions prior to v11.34

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

3.2.1    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION ('CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING') CWE-79

The Group Management page of affected devices is vulnerable to cross-site scripting. The vulnerability allows an attacker to send malicious JavaScript code that could result in hijacking of the user’s cookie/session tokens, redirecting the user to a malicious webpage and performing unintended browser action.

CVE-2021-41541 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 6.5 has been assigned; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N).

3.2.2    IMPROPER NEUTRALIZATION OF INPUT DURING WEB PAGE GENERATION ('CROSS-SITE SCRIPTING') CWE-79

The User Management page of affected devices is vulnerable to cross-site scripting. The vulnerability allows an attacker to send malicious JavaScript code that could result in hijacking of the user’s cookie/session tokens, redirecting the user to a malicious webpage and performing unintended browser action.

CVE-2021-41542 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 6.5 has been assigned; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N).

3.2.3    IMPROPER ACCESS CONTROL CWE-284

The handling of log files in the web application of affected devices contains an information disclosure vulnerability that could allow logged in users to access sensitive files.

CVE-2021-41543 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 4.3 has been assigned; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).

3.3 BACKGROUND

• CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Critical Manufacturing
• COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
• COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: Germany

3.4 RESEARCHER

Siemens reported these vulnerabilities to CISA.

4. MITIGATIONS

Siemens recommends users update the following software to the latest version:

• Climatix POL909 (AWB module): Update to v11.34 or later version.
• Climatix POL909 (AWM module): Update to v11.34 or later version.

For specific update information, please refer to Siemens Security Advisory SSA-252466

As a general security measure, Siemens strongly recommends protecting network access to devices with appropriate mechanisms. In order to operate the devices in a protected IT environment, Siemens recommends configuring the environment according to Siemens’ operational guidelines for industrial security, and follow the recommendations in the product manuals. 

Additional information on industrial security by Siemens can be found at: https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity

For additional information, please refer to Siemens Security Advisory SSA-252466

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability. Specifically, users should:

• Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, and ensure they are not accessible from the Internet.
• Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolate them from the business network.
• When remote access is required, use secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as its connected devices.

CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.



CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov. Several recommended practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.

Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov in the Technical Information Paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.



Organizations observing any suspected malicious activity should follow their established internal procedures and report their findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.

CISA also recommends users take the following measures to protect themselves from social engineering attacks:

• Do not click web links or open unsolicited attachments in email messages.
• Refer to Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information on social engineering attacks.

No known public exploits specifically target these vulnerabilities.

• Siemens