Siemens SINEC NMS
Plan Patch7.3ICS-CERT ICSA-22-069-03Mar 8, 2022
Attack VectorLocal
Auth RequiredLow
ComplexityLow
User InteractionRequired
Summary
SINEC NMS and SINEMA Server V14 contain multiple vulnerabilities (CWE-89 SQL injection, CWE-502 deserialization, CWE-269 improper access control) that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, run arbitrary database commands, or achieve privilege escalation. SINEC NMS versions prior to 1.0.3 and 1.0.3 through 2.0 are affected; SINEMA Server V14 has no patch available. Some vulnerabilities in SINEC NMS 1.0.3 and prior lack fixes.
What this means
What could happen
An attacker with local system access could execute code with elevated privileges, potentially altering database records or stopping the network management operations that monitor and control industrial devices. SINEMA Server V14 users face ongoing risk with no vendor fix available.
Who's at risk
Network managers at utilities and manufacturing plants using Siemens SINEC NMS or SINEMA Server V14 should be concerned. These products manage industrial networks and device communications—if compromised, an attacker could disrupt visibility into critical infrastructure or alter settings on PLCs and other control devices managed through the network management system.
How it could be exploited
An attacker with local access and low user privileges could exploit improper access controls or unsafe deserialization to escalate privileges and run arbitrary code. For remote exploitation, the attacker would need to first gain network access to port 443 (HTTPS), then exploit SQL injection or deserialization flaws in the management interface.
Prerequisites
- Local system access or network access to TCP port 443 on the device
- Low-privilege user credentials for local exploitation paths
- Active browser session for SSO-based privilege escalation variant
Low authentication requirements (local or unauthenticated network paths)Low complexity attackAffects network management and visibility—central to control system operationsNo vendor fix available for SINEMA Server V14Affects both code execution and privilege escalation attack chains
Exploitability
Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 2.8%)
Affected products (3)
2 with fix1 EOL
ProductAffected VersionsFix Status
SINEC NMS<V1.0.31.0.3
SINEC NMS≥ V1.0.3<V2.02.0
SINEMA Server V14All versionsNo fix (EOL)
Remediation & Mitigation
0/6
Do now
0/2SINEC NMS
WORKAROUNDRestrict network access to TCP port 443 on SINEC NMS and SINEMA Server systems to trusted IP addresses only using firewall rules
WORKAROUNDFor SINEC NMS with SSO enabled, explicitly logout from both Control and Operation interfaces when leaving the system to prevent privilege escalation
Schedule — requires maintenance window
0/2Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption
SINEC NMS
HOTFIXUpdate SINEC NMS to version 1.0.3 or later
HOTFIXUpdate SINEC NMS versions 1.0.3 through 2.0 to version 2.0 or later
Mitigations - no patch available
0/2SINEMA Server V14 has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:
HARDENINGSegment the network management system onto a protected industrial network behind a firewall, isolated from the business network and Internet
HARDENINGImplement defense-in-depth strategies including network segmentation and access controls around control system management devices
↑↓ Navigate · Esc Close
API:
/api/v1/advisories/0fdfac5c-16ca-4766-ae2a-9a220b74deb4