1. Introduction
The vulnerability “7-Technologies / Schneider-Electric IGSS ODBC Version Identification” involves identifying the version of an Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) ODBC component running on a Windows host. This can allow attackers to fingerprint systems and potentially identify known vulnerabilities in specific versions. Affected systems are typically industrial control systems (ICS) using Schneider Electric’s IGSS software. A successful exploit could lead to information disclosure, denial of service, or remote code execution depending on the identified version and other factors.
2. Technical Explanation
The vulnerability occurs because the IGSS ODBC component, Odbcixv#se.exe, responds to standard ODBC calls revealing its version number. This information can be used by attackers to target specific versions with known exploits. There is no CVE associated with this identification issue itself; however, identified versions may have associated vulnerabilities. An attacker could remotely query the service and determine the installed IGSS version.
- Root cause: The IGSS ODBC component unnecessarily exposes its version number via standard ODBC calls.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker sends ODBC queries to the Odbcixv#se.exe process on a remote Windows host, parsing the response for the version string.
- Scope: Affected platforms are Windows systems running Schneider Electric Interactive Graphical SCADA System (IGSS) software with an installed ODBC component. The ‘#’ token in Odbcixv#se.exe represents the specific version number.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm vulnerability, check for the presence of the IGSS ODBC service and identify its version. A quick check involves listing running processes; a thorough method uses ODBC tracing tools.
- Quick checks: Use Task Manager or PowerShell to list running processes and look for Odbcixv#se.exe.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 168759 can identify the IGSS service, but does not guarantee vulnerability assessment.
- Logs and evidence: Windows Event Logs do not typically record information about ODBC calls directly. Monitoring network traffic for ODBC query responses may reveal version information.
powershell Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.ProcessName -like "Odbcixv*"}4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary solution is to update IGSS to the latest patched version, or apply appropriate security hardening measures if an upgrade is not immediately possible.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure compatibility of the patch with existing system configurations. A roll back plan involves restoring from backup or reverting to the previous IGSS version.
- A change window may be required, depending on the criticality of the ICS environment and potential downtime. Approval from relevant stakeholders is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download the latest IGSS patch or update package from Schneider Electric’s support website.
- Step 2: Install the downloaded patch or update following the vendor’s instructions.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
No specific configuration changes are required prior to patching, but ensure ODBC connectivity is tested post-patch.After
Verify that the IGSS service restarts successfully and ODBC functionality remains operational after applying the patch. Check process version (see verification steps).4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Practices relevant to this vulnerability include maintaining a current patch cadence, least privilege access control, and network segmentation.
- Practice 1: Regularly patching IGSS software reduces the window of opportunity for attackers exploiting known vulnerabilities in older versions.
- Practice 2: Least privilege access limits the potential impact if an attacker gains unauthorized access to the ICS environment.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# Example PowerShell script for remote patch deployment (requires appropriate permissions and configuration). This is an example only and should be tested thoroughly before use.
Invoke-Command -ComputerName -ScriptBlock {
# Stop IGSS service
Stop-Service -Name "IGSS Service" -Force
# Install patch (replace with actual patch installation command)
Start-Process -FilePath ".exe>" -ArgumentList "/silent /norestart" -Wait
# Start IGSS service
Start-Service -Name "IGSS Service"
} 5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the fix by verifying the updated IGSS version and re-running the initial detection method. Perform a basic smoke test of core IGSS functionality.
- Post-fix check: Use PowerShell to list running processes and confirm the Odbcixv#se.exe version has been updated.
- Re-test: Re-run the `Get-Process` command from the detection section to verify the new version number is reported.
- Monitoring: Monitor Windows Event Logs for any errors related to the IGSS service or ODBC connectivity.
powershell Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.ProcessName -like "Odbcixv*"}6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Preventive measures include implementing a security baseline for ICS systems, incorporating vulnerability scanning into CI/CD pipelines, and establishing a robust asset management process.
- Baselines: Update a security baseline or policy to require regular IGSS patching and hardening configurations.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a scheduled review cycle for IGSS patches and configurations, ensuring timely application of security updates.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Potential risks include service downtime during patching or compatibility issues with existing system configurations. Roll back steps involve restoring from backup or reverting to the previous IGSS version.
- Risk or side effect 1: Patching may cause temporary service disruption; plan for a maintenance window and test thoroughly in a non-production environment first.
- Roll back: 1) Stop the IGSS service. 2) Restore from backup. 3) Restart the IGSS service.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://igss.schneider-electric.com/products/igss/index.aspx
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE associated with this identification issue, but check for vulnerabilities in identified IGSS versions on the NVD website (https://nvd.nist.gov/).
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: http://