CVE-2018-11454 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been discovered in SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal) versions 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The vulnerability allows a local attacker to manipulate resources with improper file permissions, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code on different devices.

Understanding CVE-2018-11454

This CVE identifies a security flaw in Siemens AG's SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal) software versions.

What is CVE-2018-11454?

The vulnerability in SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal) allows a local attacker to manipulate resources due to improper file permissions. This manipulation can lead to the execution of malicious code on various devices.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11454

The vulnerability enables a local attacker to exploit improper file permissions in the TIA Portal software, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code on different devices. The attacker does not require special privileges, but the victim must transfer the manipulated files to a device for execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11454

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper file permissions in SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal), allowing a local attacker to manipulate resources.

Affected Systems and Versions

SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal) V10, V11, V12: All versions
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal) V13: All versions < V13 SP2 Update 2
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal) V14: All versions < V14 SP1 Update 6
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) and WinCC (TIA Portal) V15: All versions < V15 Update 2

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating resources with improper file permissions in the TIA Portal software, leading to the execution of malicious code on different devices.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2018-11454 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Siemens AG promptly.
Restrict file system access to authorized personnel only.
Monitor file transfers and executions for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe file handling practices to prevent unauthorized manipulations.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Siemens AG.
Implement a robust patch management process to ensure timely application of updates.