CVE-2019-18337
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication in Siemens Control Center Server (CCS) and access the user database containing obfuscated passwords. Any CCS server with versions below 1.5.0 exposed to network access is affected. Attackers can exploit this without credentials via the XML-based protocol on default ports.
💻 Affected Systems
- Siemens Control Center Server (CCS)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of CCS server with credential theft leading to unauthorized control of industrial systems, potential lateral movement, and operational disruption.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to user credentials and sensitive system information, enabling privilege escalation and further attacks on the industrial control environment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent external access to vulnerable ports.
🎯 Exploit Status
Authentication bypass vulnerability with clear exploitation path via XML protocol manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V1.5.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-761617.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download CCS version 1.5.0 or later from Siemens support portal. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Install the update following Siemens installation guide. 4. Restart the CCS service or server.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
allBlock external and unnecessary internal access to ports 5440/tcp and 5444/tcp using firewalls.
# Example firewall rule for Windows: netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Block CCS Ports" dir=in action=block protocol=TCP localport=5440,5444
# Example for Linux: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 5440 -j DROP && iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 5444 -j DROP
Disable XML Protocol
windowsIf not required, disable the XML-based communication protocol in CCS configuration.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate CCS servers from untrusted networks.
- Monitor and log all access attempts to ports 5440/tcp and 5444/tcp for suspicious activity.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check CCS version in application interface or installation directory. Versions below 1.5.0 are vulnerable.Check Version:
# Check Windows registry: reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Siemens\CCS" /v VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm CCS version is 1.5.0 or higher and test authentication requirements on ports 5440/5444.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual XML protocol requests on ports 5440/5444
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful database access
- Access to user database files without proper authentication logs
Network Indicators:
- XML traffic to/from ports 5440/tcp or 5444/tcp containing authentication bypass patterns
- Unexpected database queries via XML protocol
SIEM Query:
source_port IN (5440, 5444) AND protocol="TCP" AND (payload_contains("authentication") OR payload_contains("user"))