OTPulse

Siemens Ruggedcom WIN Vulnerability

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-15-034-02Nov 6, 2015
Siemens
Summary

Siemens Ruggedcom WIN industrial routers contain multiple authentication bypass (CWE-287), buffer overflow (CWE-121), and credential exposure (CWE-257) vulnerabilities. WIN51xx, WIN52xx, WIN70xx, and WIN72xx devices with firmware versions below the specified thresholds are vulnerable. These devices are commonly deployed in power substations and remote terminal units to provide industrial Ethernet connectivity and network bridging. Exploitation could allow an attacker to bypass device authentication, crash the device or execute code, or extract plaintext credentials for lateral movement within the control network.

What this means
What could happen
An attacker with network access to a Siemens Ruggedcom WIN device could bypass authentication, trigger a buffer overflow, or read sensitive credentials stored on the device, potentially allowing unauthorized control of critical network infrastructure in substations or remote terminals.
Who's at risk
Siemens Ruggedcom WIN industrial Ethernet routers used in electric utility substations, remote terminal units (RTUs), and power distribution networks. Engineering teams, network operations staff, and any personnel with access to SCADA or distribution automation systems should be aware of this vulnerability.
How it could be exploited
An attacker on the network could send specially crafted requests to exploit weak authentication (CWE-287), trigger a buffer overflow condition (CWE-121), or extract plaintext credentials (CWE-257) from the device's memory or configuration files. With valid credentials or via buffer overflow, the attacker could execute arbitrary code on the WIN device to alter network settings, intercept traffic, or disrupt communication with connected control systems.
Prerequisites
  • Network access to the Siemens Ruggedcom WIN device (IP connectivity on management or operational ports)
  • No authentication required for initial exploitation of CWE-287 or CWE-121
  • Device running vulnerable firmware version (SS4.4.4624.35 for WIN51xx/52xx, BS4.4.4621.32 for WIN70xx/72xx or older)
Remotely exploitableNo authentication required for some attack pathsLow complexity exploitationNo patch available (end-of-life products)Affects critical network infrastructure in power systemsDefault or weak credentials may be present
Exploitability
Some exploitation risk — EPSS score 7.6%
Affected products (4)
4 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
WIN51xx: <SS4.4.4624.35<SS4.4.4624.35No fix (EOL)
WIN52xx: <SS4.4.4624.35<SS4.4.4624.35No fix (EOL)
WIN70xx: <BS4.4.4621.32<BS4.4.4621.32No fix (EOL)
WIN72xx: <BS4.4.4621.32<BS4.4.4621.32No fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/5
Do now
0/3
HARDENINGSegment Siemens Ruggedcom WIN devices on a dedicated management network with firewall rules restricting access to authorized engineering workstations and SCADA systems only
WORKAROUNDDisable remote management protocols (SSH, Telnet, web interface) on WIN devices that do not require remote access; enable only when needed and restrict by IP address
HARDENINGChange all default credentials and enforce strong passwords on WIN device management interfaces
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGMonitor network traffic to and from WIN devices for suspicious authentication attempts or unusual protocol patterns
Long-term hardening
0/1
HOTFIXContact Siemens to determine if a patched firmware version or end-of-life replacement option is available for your specific WIN model
View full CISA ICS-CERT advisory
API: /api/v1/advisories/b1bf9ddb-ec4e-4119-ad1f-2ea768bed8f5

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