Siemens SICAM TOOLBOX II

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• CVSS v3 9.9
• ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity 
• Vendor: Siemens
• Equipment: SICAM TOOLBOX II
• Vulnerability: Use of Hard-coded Credentials 

2. RISK EVALUATION

 Successful exploitation of this vulnerability results in full access to the database.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS 

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following versions of SICAM TOOLBOX II, a control and monitoring system, are affected:

• SICAM TOOLBOX II: All versions

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

 3.2.1    USE OF HARD-CODED CREDENTIALS CWE-798

SICAM TOOLBOX II contains a vulnerability that could allow an attacker access through a circumventable access control. This could allow an attacker to access the database.

CVE-2021-45106 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 9.9 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).

3.3 BACKGROUND

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

3.4 RESEARCHER

Thomas Riedmaier from Siemens and Matan Dobrushin and Eran Jacob from OTORIO reported this vulnerability to Siemens.

4. MITIGATIONS

Note: There is currently no remediation available from Siemens.

Siemens recommends users take the following measures for the affected product and versions:

• Install hotfix V7.01 HF01. This update disables the port 1522 in the ORACLE configuration file LISTENER.ORA by default. The currently installed and/or user modified configuration file LISTENER.ORA is backed up. See the release notes for more information. 
• Alternatively, restrict port 1522/tcp access to localhost or specific IP addresses as documented in the updated security manual (chapter 3.6.7), which is also included in the SICAM TOOLBOX II, V07.01 package.

Regulations usually require operators of critical power systems (e.g. TSOs or DSOs) worldwide to build resilience into power grids by applying multi-level redundant secondary protection schemes. Siemens recommends operators check whether appropriate resilient protection measures are in place. The risk of cyber incidents impacting the grid's reliability can be minimized the grid design.

Siemens strongly recommends applying the provided security updates using the corresponding tooling and documented procedures made available with the product. If supported by the product, users may utilize an automated means to apply the security updates across multiple product instances. 

Siemens recommends prior validation of any security update before application, and trained staff supervision of the update process in the target environment.

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

Siemens provides additional information on industrial security on the Siemens Industrial Security webpage. 

For more information see Siemens Security Advisory SSA-669737.

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/ics 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/ics 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.

No known public exploits specifically target this vulnerability.

• Siemens