CVE-2007-6760 in iBootBar
Summary
by MITRE
Dataprobe iBootBar (with 2007-09-20 and possibly later beta firmware) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication, and conduct power-cycle attacks on connected devices, via a DCCOOKIE cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2020
The Dataprobe iBootBar device represents a critical network infrastructure component designed for remote power management of connected equipment. This particular vulnerability affects firmware versions released on or after September 20, 2007, and potentially subsequent beta releases, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this power distribution unit. The device operates within the realm of IT infrastructure management, where unauthorized access could lead to substantial operational disruptions and security breaches.
The technical flaw manifests through improper authentication mechanisms within the device's web interface implementation. Specifically, attackers can exploit a DCCOOKIE cookie vulnerability to bypass the standard authentication process. This cookie-based authentication bypass allows malicious actors to gain unauthorized administrative access to the device without proper credentials. The vulnerability stems from inadequate session management and cookie validation procedures that fail to properly verify the authenticity and integrity of the authentication tokens.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to execute power-cycle attacks on connected network equipment. This capability represents a direct threat to network availability and reliability, as adversaries can remotely power cycle critical devices including servers, network switches, routers, and other infrastructure components. The attack surface becomes particularly dangerous in environments where network uptime is critical, as these power cycling operations can cause service interruptions, data loss, and potential hardware damage through improper shutdown sequences.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential harvesting and T1499 for endpoint disruption. Organizations utilizing Dataprobe iBootBar devices face significant risks including unauthorized network access, service disruption, and potential data integrity compromises. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where power management systems are integrated into broader network infrastructure and security monitoring frameworks.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions that address the authentication bypass vulnerability and properly implement secure cookie management practices. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Regular security assessments and monitoring of device access logs become essential for detecting potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms where possible and establish robust network monitoring to detect unusual power cycle patterns that may indicate malicious activity. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper security controls for all network infrastructure components, particularly those with remote management capabilities.