1. Introduction
IGSS (Interactive Graphical SCADA System) is a SCADA application installed on Windows hosts, used for process control and supervision. Its presence indicates potential exposure to attacks targeting industrial control systems. A successful exploit could compromise the integrity of monitored processes and potentially disrupt operations. This vulnerability has an informational severity level, meaning it requires awareness but does not necessarily indicate active exploitation.
2. Technical Explanation
IGSS is a SCADA system developed by 7-Technologies / Schneider-Electric. The presence of the application itself represents a potential risk as older versions may be vulnerable to known exploits. There are no currently assigned CVEs associated with simply having IGSS installed, but it serves as an indicator for further investigation into specific version vulnerabilities. An attacker could potentially exploit weaknesses within IGSS to gain control of process monitoring and control functions.
- Root cause: The application is a SCADA system which inherently has a large attack surface due to its complexity and access requirements.
- Exploit mechanism: Exploitation would involve identifying vulnerabilities in the IGSS software itself, potentially through network-based attacks or malicious code execution on the host system.
- Scope: Windows hosts running IGSS developed by 7-Technologies / Schneider-Electric are affected. Specific versions should be investigated for known vulnerabilities.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming the presence of IGSS is the first step in assessing risk. Further investigation into version numbers is then needed to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Quick checks: Check for the IGSS installation directory, typically located at
C:Program Files7-TechnologiesIGSSor similar. - Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 138695 can detect the presence of IGSS. This is an example only and may require updates.
- Logs and evidence: Look for IGSS related processes in Task Manager or event logs under Application and Services Logs > 7-Technologies.
dir "C:Program Files7-TechnologiesIGSS"4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary solution is to assess the IGSS version and apply any available security patches or consider upgrading to a more secure system if possible.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have access to the latest IGSS version and patch information from Schneider-Electric’s website. A roll back plan involves restoring the backed-up configuration files.
- A change window may be required depending on the criticality of the monitored processes. Approval should be obtained from relevant stakeholders.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download the latest IGSS version or security patch from Schneider-Electric’s support website.
- Step 2: Stop the IGSS service in Windows Services Manager (
services.msc). - Step 3: Install the downloaded patch or upgrade to the latest IGSS version, following the vendor’s instructions.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
(No specific config example available, as remediation focuses on version updates.)After
Verify IGSS version is updated to a patched release. Check the 'About' section within the IGSS application interface.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help mitigate risks associated with SCADA systems like IGSS.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – Limit user access rights within IGSS to only those necessary for their role, reducing the impact of a compromised account.
- Practice 2: Patch cadence – Implement a regular patch management process for all SCADA components, including IGSS, to address known vulnerabilities promptly.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is not generally recommended for patching SCADA systems due to the potential for disruption. Manual verification is preferred.
(No automation script provided due to risk of disrupting critical infrastructure.)5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Verify the installed IGSS version in the ‘About’ section of the application interface. Expected output should show a patched or latest release number.
- Re-test: Re-run the Nessus scan (plugin ID 138695) to confirm that the vulnerability is no longer detected.
- Monitoring: Monitor IGSS event logs for any errors or unexpected behavior following the patch installation.
(No specific command provided; verify version in application interface.)6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Proactive measures can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
- Baselines: Update security baselines to include recommended IGSS configurations and patch levels.
- Pipelines: Implement vulnerability scanning as part of a continuous monitoring process for SCADA systems.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular review cycle for all SCADA assets, including IGSS, to ensure timely patching and configuration updates.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Patching or upgrading IGSS may introduce compatibility issues with existing integrations.
- Risk or side effect 2: Service disruption – Schedule patching during a maintenance window to minimize potential downtime.
8. References and Resources
Links to official resources for IGSS vulnerability information.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://igss.schneider-electric.com/products/igss/index.aspx
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE entry available for the presence of IGSS itself, but search for vulnerabilities related to specific versions.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: http://igss.schneider-electric.com/products/igss/documentation.aspx