Siemens Automation License Manager

As of January 10, 2023, CISA will no longer be updating ICS security advisories for Siemens product vulnerabilities beyond the initial advisory. For the most up-to-date information on vulnerabilities in this advisory, please see Siemens' ProductCERT Security Advisories (CERT Services | Services | Siemens Global).

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CVSS v3 8.2
ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
Vendor: Siemens
Equipment: Automation License Manager (ALM)
Vulnerabilities: External Control of File Name or Path, Path Traversal

2. RISK EVALUATION

Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to modify and rename license files, extract licenses, and overwrite arbitrary files on the target system, potentially leading to privilege escalation and remote code execution.

3. TECHNICAL DETAILS

3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS

The following software from Siemens is affected:

Automation License Manager V5: All versions
Automation License Manager V6: All versions prior to V6.0 SP9 Upd4

3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW

3.2.1 EXTERNAL CONTROL OF FILE NAME OR PATH CWE-73

The affected components allow the renaming of license files with user input without authentication. This could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to rename and move files as a SYSTEM user.

CVE-2022-43513 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 8.2 has been calculated. the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:L)

3.2.2 IMPROPER LIMITATION OF A PATHNAME TO A RESTRICTED DIRECTORY ('PATH TRAVERSAL') CWE-22

The affected component does not correctly validate the root path for folder related operations, allowing modification of files and folders outside the intended root directory. This could allow an unauthenticated remote user to execute file operations of files outside of the specified root folder. Chained with CVE-2022-43513, this could allow remote code execution.

CVE-2022-43514 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3 base score of 7.7 has been calculated. the CVSS vector string is (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:L)

3.3 BACKGROUND

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

3.4 RESEARCHER

Eran Jacob from OTORIO reported these vulnerabilities to Siemens.

4. MITIGATIONS

Siemens has identified the following specific workarounds and mitigations users can apply to reduce risk:

Automation License Manager V6: Update to V6.0 SP9 Upd4 or later version
Limit remote access to port 4410/TCP to trusted systems only.

As a general security measure, Siemens 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 recommendations in the product manuals.

Additional information on industrial security by Siemens can be found on the Siemens industrial security webpage.

For more information, see the associated Siemens Security Advisory SSA-476715 in HTML and CSAF.

CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability these vulnerabilities. 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 business networks.
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 at cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best 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 at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B--Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.

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

No known public exploits specifically target these vulnerabilities.

This product is provided subject to this Notification and this Privacy & Use policy.

Vendor

Siemens