CVE-2020-7547
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users to escalate privileges via the web interface in Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure and SmartStruxure power monitoring software. Attackers could perform administrative actions without proper authorization. Organizations using affected versions of these SCADA systems are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert
- EcoStruxure Power SCADA Operation
- SmartStruxure
📦 What is this software?
Ecostruxure Energy Expert by Schneider Electric
Ecostruxure Power Monitoring Expert by Schneider Electric
View all CVEs affecting Ecostruxure Power Monitoring Expert →
Ecostruxure Power Monitoring Expert by Schneider Electric
View all CVEs affecting Ecostruxure Power Monitoring Expert →
Ecostruxure Power Monitoring Expert by Schneider Electric
View all CVEs affecting Ecostruxure Power Monitoring Expert →
Power Manager by Schneider Electric
Power Manager by Schneider Electric
Power Manager by Schneider Electric
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains full administrative control over the SCADA system, potentially manipulating power monitoring data, disrupting operations, or using the system as a pivot point to attack industrial control systems.
Likely Case
Privileged users or attackers with stolen credentials escalate privileges to modify configurations, access sensitive data, or disrupt monitoring functions.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to the affected system without spreading to critical infrastructure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access but privilege escalation mechanism is straightforward once authenticated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2020 versions and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.se.com/ww/en/download/document/SEVD-2020-287-04/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the updated version from Schneider Electric's website. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Install the update following vendor instructions. 4. Restart the application/services. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate SCADA systems from corporate networks and internet access
Access Control Restrictions
allImplement strict user access controls and monitor privileged account usage
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate affected systems
- Enforce strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check software version in application settings or About dialog. Versions prior to 2020 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via application interface: Help → About or similar menu optionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version number is 2020 or later and test user privilege boundaries.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation events
- Administrative actions from non-admin accounts
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful privilege changes
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected administrative API calls from user accounts
- Traffic patterns suggesting privilege abuse
SIEM Query:
source="scada_logs" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR user_role_change="true")