SIMATIC NET PC Software V14: Use of Obsolete Function
CVE-2023-28829 is a high-severity use of obsolete function vulnerability in SIMATIC NET PC Software V14 from Siemens, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected SIMATIC NET PC Software V14 versions: All versions. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.29% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of SIMATIC NET PC Software V14 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on cert-portal.siemens.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siemens | SIMATIC NET PC Software V14 | All versions | Not stated |
| Siemens | SIMATIC NET PC Software V15 | All versions | Not stated |
| Siemens | SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 | All versions | Not stated |
| Siemens | SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 | All versions | Not stated |
| Siemens | SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 | All versions | Not stated |
| Siemens | SIMATIC WinCC | All versions < V8.0 | Not stated |
| Siemens | SINAUT Software ST7sc | All versions | Not stated |
| Siemens | Simatic Net Pc Software | 14.0; 15.0 | Not stated |
| Siemens | Simatic Pcs 7 | 8.2; 9.0; 9.1 | Not stated |
| Siemens | Sinaut St7sc | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 3.9 | Low | CNA (siemens.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC NET PC Software V14 (All versions), SIMATIC NET PC Software V15 (All versions), SIMATIC PCS 7 V8.2 (All versions), SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 (All versions), SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 (All versions), SIMATIC WinCC (All versions < V8.0), SINAUT Software ST7sc (All versions). Before SIMATIC WinCC V8, legacy OPC services (OPC DA (Data Access), OPC HDA (Historical Data Access), and OPC AE (Alarms & Events)) were used per default. These services were designed on top of the Windows ActiveX and DCOM mechanisms and do not implement state-of-the-art security mechanisms for authentication and encryption of contents.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Obsolete Function
The code uses deprecated or obsolete functions, which suggests that the code has not been actively reviewed or maintained.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Refer to the documentation for the obsolete function in order to determine why it is deprecated or obsolete and to learn about alternative ways to achieve the same functionality.
- Consider seriously the security implications of using an obsolete function. Consider using alternate functions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in SIMATIC NET PC Software V14
- 7.5 High severity
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