Description
The standard user uses the run as function to start the MEAC applications with administrative privileges. To ensure that the system can startup on its own, the credentials of the administrator were stored. Consequently, the EPC2 user can execute any command with administrative privileges. This allows a privilege escalation to the administrative level.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-1903
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description: The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-1903 involves a privilege escalation issue in SICK MEAC applications. Standard users can execute commands with administrative privileges due to the storage of administrator credentials. This allows any user with low-level privileges to escalate their access to administrative levels, posing a significant security risk.
Severity Evaluation:
The CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) base score for this vulnerability is 9.9, which is classified as critical. The CVSS vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
- Privileges Required (PR): Low (L)
- User Interaction (UI): None (N)
- Scope (S): Changed (C)
- Confidentiality Impact (C): High (H)
- Integrity Impact (I): High (H)
- Availability Impact (A): High (H)
This high severity score underscores the critical nature of the vulnerability, which can lead to complete system compromise.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attacks: Given the network attack vector (AV:N), an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network.
- Low Privilege Users: Users with low-level privileges can escalate their access to administrative levels without requiring any user interaction.
Exploitation Methods:
- Credential Harvesting: Attackers can harvest stored administrator credentials to gain unauthorized access.
- Command Execution: Once administrative privileges are obtained, attackers can execute arbitrary commands, leading to full system control.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Products:
- SICK MEAC300-FNADE4: All versions
- SICK MEAC300: Versions prior to 4.0.54.21
Vendor:
- SICK AG
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Patching: Apply the latest patches and updates provided by SICK AG to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Credential Management: Remove stored administrator credentials and implement secure credential management practices.
- Access Control: Enforce strict access controls and limit administrative privileges to essential personnel only.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
- User Training: Educate users on the risks of privilege escalation and the importance of secure practices.
- Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the scope of potential attacks.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regulatory Compliance:
- GDPR: This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially violating GDPR regulations.
- NIS Directive: Organizations operating critical infrastructure must ensure compliance with the NIS Directive, which mandates robust cybersecurity measures.
Industry Impact:
- Manufacturing: The affected products are widely used in manufacturing, posing risks to industrial control systems and operational technology (OT) environments.
- Supply Chain: Compromised systems could disrupt supply chains, leading to economic and logistical challenges.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Analysis:
- Credential Storage: The vulnerability arises from the insecure storage of administrator credentials, which can be accessed by low-privilege users.
- Privilege Escalation: The ability to execute commands with administrative privileges allows attackers to perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system configurations, and exfiltrating data.
Detection and Response:
- Log Monitoring: Implement comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect unusual administrative activities.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to identify and respond to potential exploitation attempts.
- Incident Response Plan: Develop and maintain an incident response plan to quickly address any security breaches.
References:
- SICK AG PSIRT: https://sick.com/psirt
- CISA Recommended Practices: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ics-recommended-practices
- CVSS Calculator: https://www.first.org/cvss/calculator/3.1
- NVD Detail: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-0867
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and comprehensively, organizations can mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and ensure the security and integrity of their systems.