PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2024-39874 Siemens CVE debrief

A high-severity vulnerability in Siemens SINEMA Remote Connect Server allows attackers to brute-force user credentials due to missing rate limiting in the Client Communication component. The flaw, published July 9, 2024, enables network-based attackers to systematically guess credentials without account lockout protections. Siemens has released version 3.2 SP1 to address this authentication weakness.

Vendor: Siemens
Product: SINEMA Remote Connect Server
CVSS: HIGH 7.5
CISA KEV: Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published: 2024-07-09
Original CVE updated: 2024-07-09
Advisory published: 2024-07-09
Advisory updated: 2024-07-09

Who should care

Organizations operating Siemens SINEMA Remote Connect Server for remote access to industrial control systems, particularly in manufacturing, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors where OT/IT convergence creates attack pathways through remote connectivity platforms.

Technical summary

CVE-2024-39874 affects Siemens SINEMA Remote Connect Server, a remote connectivity solution for industrial networks. The vulnerability resides in the Client Communication component, which fails to implement adequate brute force protection mechanisms. Without rate limiting, account lockout, or progressive delays, attackers can perform automated credential guessing attacks over the network. Successful exploitation yields valid user credentials, potentially granting unauthorized access to connected industrial control systems. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 reflects high confidentiality impact with network accessibility and low attack complexity. Siemens addressed this in version 3.2 SP1.

Defensive priority

HIGH

Recommended defensive actions

Update SINEMA Remote Connect Server to version 3.2 SP1 or later immediately
Implement network segmentation to restrict access to the Client Communication component
Enable and review authentication logs for anomalous login patterns
Apply account lockout policies at the identity provider or network edge if the application lacks native protections
Monitor for repeated authentication failures from single source addresses
Review user password policies to enforce strong, unique credentials resistant to brute force attacks

Evidence notes

CISA ICS advisory ICSA-24-193-01 confirms the vulnerability exists in SINEMA Remote Connect Server's Client Communication component, where brute force protection is not properly implemented. The advisory cites Siemens security advisory SSA-381581 as the authoritative source. CVSS 3.1 vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:C indicates network exploitable, low attack complexity, no privileges required, high confidentiality impact.

Official resources

2024-07-09