CVE-2021-42029 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-42029, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V15, V16, and V17. Discover the impact, affected systems, exploitation details, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V15, V16, and V17 that could lead to privilege escalation due to improper access control.
Understanding CVE-2021-42029
What is CVE-2021-42029?
CVE-2021-42029 is a vulnerability in Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) versions 15, 16, and 17 that allows an attacker to gain elevated privileges on the web server of specific devices by exploiting an access control weakness in the engineering software.
The Impact of CVE-2021-42029
The vulnerability enables attackers to escalate their privileges on affected web servers, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over critical systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-42029
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from an improper access control issue within the engineering system software, exposing the web server to privilege escalation attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V15: All versions
- SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V16: All versions < V16 Update 5
- SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) V17: All versions < V17 Update 2
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must have direct access to the impacted web server, allowing them to manipulate the access control mechanism and gain unauthorized privileges.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Siemens promptly to address the vulnerability.
- Restrict network access to the affected devices and implement firewall rules to limit exposure.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct regular security assessments and audits of industrial control systems to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
- Train personnel on secure configuration practices and the importance of access control to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) software is regularly updated with the latest patches and security fixes to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation attacks.