CVE-2023-30897
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in SIMATIC WinCC allows authenticated local attackers to inject arbitrary code and escalate privileges when the software is installed in a non-default path. The improper access rights on the installation folder enable attackers to modify critical files. All WinCC versions before V7.5.2.13 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- SIMATIC WinCC
📦 What is this software?
Wincc by Siemens
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise through privilege escalation to SYSTEM/administrator level, enabling complete control over the industrial control system and potential disruption of operations.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain higher privileges than their current account, potentially enabling lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls, network segmentation, and monitoring in place, though the vulnerability still exists.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access. Exploitation involves modifying files in the installation directory due to improper permissions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: V7.5.2.13 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-914026.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download WinCC V7.5.2.13 or later from Siemens support portal. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Run the installer with administrator privileges. 4. Follow installation wizard. 5. Restart system after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Manual Permission Fix
windowsManually set proper access rights on WinCC installation folder to restrict write access
icacls "C:\Path\To\WinCC\Installation" /inheritance:r /grant:r "SYSTEM:(OI)(CI)F" /grant:r "Administrators:(OI)(CI)F" /grant:r "Users:(OI)(CI)RX" /deny "Users:(OI)(CI)W"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Reinstall WinCC using default installation path if currently using non-default path
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring on WinCC installation directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WinCC version via Control Panel > Programs and Features, and verify if installed to non-default path by examining installation directory permissionsCheck Version:
wmic product where name="SIMATIC WinCC" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify WinCC version is V7.5.2.13 or later and check installation folder permissions are properly restricted📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected file modifications in WinCC installation directory
- Failed permission change attempts on WinCC folders
- Unusual process creation from WinCC directories
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from WinCC systems
- Lateral movement attempts from WinCC hosts
SIEM Query:
EventID=4663 AND ObjectName LIKE "%WinCC%" AND Accesses LIKE "%WriteData%" OR EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName LIKE "%WinCC%\*"