CVE-2020-7581 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in multiple Siemens products, including Opcenter Execution Discrete, Opcenter Execution Foundation, Opcenter Execution Process, Opcenter Intelligence, Opcenter Quality, Opcenter RD&L, SIMATIC Notifier Server for Windows, SIMATIC PCS neo, SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V15, SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V16, SIMOCODE ES V15.1, SIMOCODE ES V16, Soft Starter ES V15.1, and Soft Starter ES V16. The vulnerability allows a local attacker with administrative privileges to execute code with SYSTEM level privileges.

Understanding CVE-2020-7581

This CVE identifies a security issue in various Siemens products that could lead to privilege escalation attacks.

What is CVE-2020-7581?

The vulnerability arises from a component within the affected applications calling a helper binary with SYSTEM privileges during startup without proper quoting, potentially enabling unauthorized code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7581

The vulnerability could be exploited by a local attacker with administrative rights to execute malicious code with elevated SYSTEM privileges, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7581

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows a local attacker to execute code with SYSTEM privileges due to improper quoting of the call path for a helper binary during application startup.

Affected Systems and Versions

Opcenter Execution Discrete: All versions < V3.2
Opcenter Execution Foundation: All versions < V3.2
Opcenter Execution Process: All versions < V3.2
Opcenter Intelligence: All versions < V3.3
Opcenter Quality: All versions < V11.3
Opcenter RD&L: V8.0
SIMATIC Notifier Server for Windows: All versions
SIMATIC PCS neo: All versions < V3.0 SP1
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V15: All versions < V15.1 Update 5
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V16: All versions < V16 Update 2
SIMOCODE ES V15.1: All versions < V15.1 Update 4
SIMOCODE ES V16: All versions < V16 Update 1
Soft Starter ES V15.1: All versions < V15.1 Update 3
Soft Starter ES V16: All versions < V16 Update 1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker with administrative privileges leveraging the improper quoting of the call path for the helper binary.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-7581 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Siemens promptly.
Monitor and restrict access to vulnerable systems.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits.
Educate users on security best practices and awareness.
Keep systems and software up to date with the latest security patches.
Utilize security tools like intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection.
Consider implementing application whitelisting to control executable files.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected Siemens products are updated to versions that address the vulnerability to prevent exploitation and enhance system security.