CVE-2011-4860 in Quantum Ethernet Module 140noe77100
Summary
by MITRE
The ComputePassword function in the Schneider Electric Quantum Ethernet Module on the NOE 771 device (aka the Quantum 140NOE771* module) generates the password for the fwupgrade account by performing a calculation on the MAC address, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a (1) ARP request message or (2) Neighbor Solicitation message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2018
The CVE-2011-4860 vulnerability affects the Schneider Electric Quantum 140NOE771* Ethernet module, specifically within the NOE 771 device architecture. This flaw resides in the ComputePassword function that handles authentication for the fwupgrade account, creating a significant security weakness in industrial network equipment. The vulnerability stems from a predictable password generation mechanism that relies on mathematical calculations based on the device's MAC address, fundamentally undermining the security model of the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through a deterministic password generation algorithm that processes the device's unique MAC address to compute the password for the fwupgrade account. This approach violates fundamental security principles by creating a static relationship between the device identifier and the authentication credentials. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when attackers can observe or manipulate network traffic to obtain the MAC address, which then allows them to calculate the corresponding password. The attack vectors specifically leverage standard network protocols including ARP request messages and Neighbor Solicitation messages, which are commonly used for network discovery and communication in both IPv4 and IPv6 environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges to perform firmware updates and potentially compromise the entire industrial control system. The predictable nature of the password generation means that any attacker with network access and knowledge of the MAC address can gain administrative control over the device, potentially leading to denial of service, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where network monitoring and security measures may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise networks, creating opportunities for sophisticated attacks that could affect critical infrastructure operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to these devices, deployment of network access control measures, and regular monitoring of ARP and neighbor discovery traffic for anomalous patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-320, which addresses weak password generation mechanisms, and represents a classic example of insufficient entropy in cryptographic implementations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and credential access tactics, as attackers can leverage the predictable password to gain administrative access. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary services and implementing robust network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and potential exploitation of this vulnerability across their industrial control system infrastructure.