CVE-2006-2716 in C5 Enterprise Vulnerability Management
Summary
by MITRE
Secure Elements Class 5 AVR server (aka C5 EVM) before 2.8.1 uses a hard-coded user ID and password, which allows remote attackers to gain access to the server.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2716 affects the Secure Elements Class 5 AVR server, also known as the C5 EVM device, which represents a critical security flaw in embedded systems architecture. This particular device operates within industrial control environments where secure authentication mechanisms are paramount for maintaining operational integrity and preventing unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The affected system is specifically vulnerable to remote exploitation due to its implementation of hard-coded credentials that remain unchanged across deployments.
The technical flaw manifests through the implementation of a fixed user identifier and corresponding password within the firmware of the Secure Elements Class 5 AVR server. This design choice violates fundamental security principles by embedding authentication credentials directly into the software rather than implementing dynamic or configurable authentication mechanisms. The hard-coded nature of these credentials means that they are publicly known and accessible to any attacker who can reach the device through network communication channels. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems, and represents a classic example of poor security implementation in embedded environments where device manufacturers fail to consider the long-term security implications of static authentication parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain complete control over the affected server. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially disrupt industrial processes that rely on the secure operation of these devices. The implications are particularly severe in industrial control systems where such vulnerabilities could lead to operational technology compromises, safety system disruptions, or even physical damage to industrial assets. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts and credential access, demonstrating how hard-coded credentials can be exploited to establish persistent access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through firmware updates that address the hard-coded credential issue. Organizations must implement comprehensive asset inventory processes to identify all affected devices within their networks and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk assessment. The recommended solution involves updating the firmware to version 2.8.1 or later, which should include dynamic credential generation or configurable authentication parameters. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these devices, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar hard-coded credentials in other embedded systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure development practices and implementing proper credential management protocols in embedded systems design, particularly those deployed in critical infrastructure environments where security failures can have significant operational and safety implications.