CVE-2018-11456 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in Automation License Manager 5 (All versions < 5.3.4.4). An attacker with network access to the device could send specially crafted network packets to determine whether or not a network port on another remote system is accessible or not. This allows the attacker to do basic network scanning using the victim's machine. Successful exploitation requires a network connection to the affected device. The attacker does not need privileges, and no user interaction is required. The impact is limited to determining whether or not a port on a target system is accessible by the affected device.

Understanding CVE-2018-11456

This section provides an overview of the vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2018-11456?

CVE-2018-11456 is a vulnerability found in Siemens AG's Automation License Manager 5, affecting all versions below 5.3.4.4. It allows an attacker to conduct basic network scanning by sending specially crafted network packets.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11456

The vulnerability enables an attacker to determine the accessibility of a port on a targeted system using the affected device. The exploitation does not require user interaction or privileges and is dependent on a network connection to the vulnerable device.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11456

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Automation License Manager 5 allows an attacker to ascertain the accessibility of a network port on a remote system by sending specific network packets.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Automation License Manager 5
Vendor: Siemens AG
Versions Affected: All versions below 5.3.4.4

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with network access sends crafted network packets to determine port accessibility on a remote system.
Basic network scanning is conducted using the victim's machine.
No privileges or user interaction are required for successful exploitation.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly.
Implement network segmentation to limit access to critical systems.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security training for employees to raise awareness of social engineering tactics.

Patching and Updates

Siemens AG may release patches to address the vulnerability.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the vendor.