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CVE-2016-8565: Siemens Automation License Manager: Improper Access Control

CVE-2016-8565 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.1 and affects Siemens Automation License Manager. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction.

Vulnerability description

Siemens Automation License Manager (ALM) before 5.3 SP3 allows remote attackers to write to files, rename files, create directories, or delete directories via crafted packets.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.0 9.1: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H

• Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
• Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
• Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
• User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
• Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
• Confidentiality impact: None. No loss of confidentiality.
• Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
• Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Underlying weakness

CWE-284: Improper Access Control

The product does not restrict or incorrectly restricts access to a resource from an unauthorized actor.

Affected products

• Siemens Automation License Manager: up to and including 5.3

References

• http://www.siemens.com/cert/pool/cert/siemens_security_advisory_ssa-284342.pdf
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93553
• http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037011
• https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-16-287-02