CVE-2008-1546 in Mitsubishi Electric
Summary
by MITRE
servlet/MIMEReceiveServlet in the web controller for Mitsubishi Electric GB-50 and GB-50A air-conditioning control systems allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (air-conditioning outage) via an XML document containing a setRequest command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1546 affects Mitsubishi Electric GB-50 and GB-50A air-conditioning control systems through their web controller servlet component known as MIMEReceiveServlet. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in industrial control systems that operate in the Internet of Things domain, where network-connected HVAC equipment becomes susceptible to remote exploitation. The vulnerability specifically resides within the XML processing functionality of the web interface, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without physical access to the devices. The affected systems are part of Mitsubishi Electric's broader line of commercial air conditioning solutions designed for building automation environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the MIMEReceiveServlet component that handles XML requests sent to the air conditioning control systems. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious XML document containing a setRequest command, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the incoming data before processing it. This lack of input validation creates a condition where the XML parser can be manipulated to trigger unexpected behavior in the underlying system. The vulnerability is classified as a denial of service condition because the malformed XML payload causes the air conditioning system to become unresponsive or shut down entirely, disrupting the normal operation of the HVAC infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise building safety and comfort systems. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, the affected air conditioning units can experience complete outages, leading to temperature control failures in commercial buildings, data centers, or industrial facilities. The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with network-accessible HVAC systems. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad, as it can render critical environmental control systems inoperable. The risk is amplified in environments where maintaining specific temperature conditions is essential for operations, such as hospitals, data centers, or manufacturing facilities where temperature control directly affects product quality or safety.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of industrial control system security frameworks and recognize its alignment with CWE-20, which covers improper input validation. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to denial of service attacks against operational technology systems. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate HVAC control systems from general network access and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual XML traffic patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of securing industrial web interfaces and implementing proper input validation mechanisms in embedded systems. Additionally, regular firmware updates and security assessments should be conducted to address similar vulnerabilities in legacy industrial control systems that may not have received adequate security attention over their operational lifespan.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the growing security challenges in connected industrial environments where traditional IT security practices must be adapted for operational technology systems. The absence of proper input validation in embedded web interfaces creates persistent security risks that can be exploited to compromise physical infrastructure. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities demonstrates the need for comprehensive security strategies that address both traditional information technology systems and the increasingly connected industrial control environments that form the backbone of modern facilities. Organizations must recognize that security in industrial settings requires specialized approaches that consider both the technical implementation and operational requirements of critical infrastructure systems.