CVE-2019-18338 : Security Advisory and Response

A weakness has been discovered in Control Center Server (CCS) (All versions < V1.5.0) that allows directory traversal through the XML-based communication protocol, posing a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive files.

Understanding CVE-2019-18338

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Siemens' Control Center Server (CCS) that could be exploited by remote attackers to access restricted directories and files beyond the application's scope.

What is CVE-2019-18338?

CVE-2019-18338 is a relative path traversal vulnerability in CCS, allowing attackers to exploit the flawed XML-based communication protocol to access unauthorized directories and files.

The Impact of CVE-2019-18338

The vulnerability poses a high severity risk, with a CVSS base score of 7.7 (HIGH), potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the CCS server.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-18338

Siemens' Control Center Server (CCS) vulnerability details:

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerability Type: CWE-23: Relative Path Traversal
Exploitation: Unauthorized directory traversal through the XML-based communication protocol

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Siemens
Product: Control Center Server (CCS)
Affected Versions: All versions < V1.5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Vector: Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Changed
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: None
Availability: None
Remediation Level: Unavailable
Report Confidence: Confirmed

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2019-18338 vulnerability:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly
Implement network segmentation to restrict access to CCS servers
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing regularly
Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices

Patching and Updates

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