CVE-2020-15800 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been identified in SCALANCE X-200, X-200IRT, and X-300 switch families by Siemens, potentially leading to a heap overflow condition when exploited.

Understanding CVE-2020-15800

This CVE involves a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the webserver of the affected Siemens devices.

What is CVE-2020-15800?

The vulnerability in the SCALANCE switch families allows attackers to trigger a heap overflow condition by sending specially crafted requests to the webserver, potentially causing a temporary halt.

The Impact of CVE-2020-15800

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition, disrupting the normal operation of the webserver on the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-15800

The following technical details provide insight into the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the webserver of SCALANCE X-200, X-200IRT, and X-300 switch families can result in a heap overflow condition when manipulated by malicious requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

SCALANCE X-200 switch family (incl. SIPLUS NET variants) - All versions < V5.2.5
SCALANCE X-200IRT switch family (incl. SIPLUS NET variants) - All versions < V5.5.0
SCALANCE X-300 switch family (incl. X408 and SIPLUS NET variants) - All versions < V4.1.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specifically crafted requests to the webserver of the affected devices, triggering a heap overflow condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-15800 and enhance security measures, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-provided patches or updates to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all network-connected devices to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Educate users and IT staff on best practices for cybersecurity to enhance overall awareness.

Patching and Updates

Siemens may release patches or updates to address the vulnerability. Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to secure the affected devices.