CVE-2008-5848 in Adam-6501
Summary
by MITRE
The Advantech ADAM-6000 module has 00000000 as its default password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access through an HTTP session, and (1) monitor or (2) control the module s Modbus/TCP I/O activity.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2021
The Advantech ADAM-6000 series industrial automation module presents a critical security vulnerability through its default authentication configuration that significantly undermines operational security. This device, designed for industrial control and monitoring applications, ships with a hardcoded password value of 00000000, creating an inherently weak authentication mechanism that exposes industrial systems to unauthorized access. The vulnerability specifically affects the HTTP session management component of the device, allowing remote attackers to establish authenticated sessions without requiring legitimate credentials. This default password configuration represents a fundamental failure in security by design principles, as it violates the principle of least privilege and creates a predictable entry point for malicious actors targeting industrial control systems. The flaw directly enables unauthorized access to critical industrial infrastructure through standard web-based interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in operational technology environments where system integrity and availability are paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's failure to enforce strong authentication mechanisms during the initial setup phase. When administrators fail to change the default credentials, the system remains accessible to anyone who knows or can guess the default password value. The Modbus/TCP protocol implementation within the ADAM-6000 module becomes directly accessible through the HTTP interface, allowing attackers to perform both monitoring and control functions. This dual capability creates a severe operational risk as adversaries can not only observe industrial processes but also manipulate them, potentially causing physical damage, production disruptions, or safety hazards. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the web server component that manages HTTP sessions and Modbus communication protocols. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a classic privilege escalation vector that can be exploited without requiring specialized tools or deep technical knowledge of the underlying industrial protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass serious threats to industrial safety and process integrity. Remote attackers can monitor real-time I/O activities, potentially gaining insights into industrial processes, production schedules, or sensitive operational data. More critically, the ability to control Modbus/TCP I/O activities allows malicious actors to manipulate industrial processes, potentially causing equipment failure, safety incidents, or production losses. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial automation systems are connected to corporate networks or the internet, creating additional attack surface exposure. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that many industrial environments lack proper network segmentation, making it easier for attackers to leverage this default credential vulnerability to move laterally within industrial networks. The consequences can range from minor operational disruptions to major safety incidents, especially in critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, or water treatment facilities.
Organizations must implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability, including mandatory credential changes for all affected devices and comprehensive network security assessments. The recommended mitigation strategies involve changing default passwords to strong, unique credentials for each device, implementing network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing authentication mechanisms such as two-factor authentication or certificate-based authentication where possible. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability directly impacts industrial security standards including those outlined in nist cybersecurity framework and iso 27001 requirements for industrial control systems. The vulnerability also aligns with several attack patterns identified in the mitre attack framework, particularly those related to initial access through default credentials and privilege escalation within industrial environments. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that all industrial devices maintain up-to-date authentication configurations and that default credentials are properly changed during deployment. Additionally, network administrators should implement access control lists and firewall rules to restrict access to industrial control systems to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities.