CVE-2008-0174 in Proficy Real-Time Information Portal
Summary
by MITRE
GE Fanuc Proficy Real-Time Information Portal 2.6 and earlier uses HTTP Basic Authentication, which transmits usernames and passwords in base64-encoded cleartext and allows remote attackers to steal the passwords and gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0174 affects GE Fanuc Proficy Real-Time Information Portal versions 2.6 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in the authentication mechanism. This system, designed for industrial automation and real-time data processing, implements HTTP Basic Authentication as its primary method for user verification. The flaw lies in the fundamental design of this authentication approach which transmits credentials using base64 encoding rather than encryption, creating a significant exposure point for malicious actors. The base64 encoding, while commonly misunderstood as encryption, is merely a reversible transformation that offers no actual security protection against interception or eavesdropping attacks.
The technical implementation of HTTP Basic Authentication in this context creates a direct pathway for credential theft through network sniffing operations. When users authenticate to the portal, their usernames and passwords are packaged into a base64-encoded string and transmitted within the HTTP Authorization header. Network administrators or attackers with access to network traffic can easily capture these headers and decode the base64 strings to obtain plaintext credentials. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission, and represents a classic example of inadequate authentication security practices in industrial control systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these systems often operate within critical infrastructure environments where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruption or safety hazards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as successful exploitation allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized privileges within the industrial control environment. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can access sensitive operational data, modify system configurations, or potentially disrupt industrial processes. The nature of industrial control systems means that such unauthorized access could lead to cascading failures, production halts, or even safety incidents depending on the specific industrial application. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of the Proficy Real-Time Information Portal, making it a widespread concern for organizations that have deployed this specific version. This authentication weakness represents a fundamental flaw in the security architecture of the system and demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms in industrial environments.
Organizations utilizing this vulnerable software should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the software, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the portal, and deploying additional authentication layers such as SSL/TLS encryption for all communications. The recommended remediation strategy involves moving from HTTP Basic Authentication to more secure alternatives such as HTTPS with strong encryption, or implementing token-based authentication systems. Security practitioners should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect and alert on suspicious authentication attempts or unauthorized access patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving credential access through network sniffing and privilege escalation through stolen credentials, making it a significant concern for organizations operating within industrial control system environments. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for proper security design in industrial automation systems and highlights the importance of regularly updating and patching industrial control software to protect against known vulnerabilities.