CVE-2012-3025 in Niagra Ax Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Tridium Niagara AX Framework through 3.6 uses a cleartext base64 format for transmission of credentials in cookies, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3025 affects the Tridium Niagara AX Framework version 3.6 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through its default configuration practices. This flaw resides in how the system handles authentication credentials within its cookie transmission mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the security posture of deployed industrial control systems. The Niagara AX Framework serves as a foundational platform for building building automation and industrial control applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the critical infrastructure environments where such systems operate. The issue stems from the framework's use of cleartext base64 encoding for credential transmission, which fundamentally misapplies security measures by relying on encoding rather than encryption for sensitive data protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the framework's cookie-based authentication system where user credentials are transmitted using base64 encoding without proper encryption. This encoding method, while commonly used for data serialization and transmission, provides no cryptographic protection and merely obfuscates data in a manner that can be easily reversed by any network observer. When credentials are embedded within cookies and transmitted across network connections, attackers can capture these network packets through simple packet sniffing techniques and decode the base64 strings to recover the original authentication information. The vulnerability specifically affects the default configuration settings where the system does not implement proper encryption mechanisms for credential transmission, leaving sensitive authentication data exposed to network-level attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to critical industrial control environments. Remote attackers who can intercept network traffic can easily extract user credentials, potentially gaining access to administrative accounts and system controls within the Niagara AX framework. This exposure creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate building automation systems, industrial processes, or other controlled environments where the framework is deployed. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where industrial control systems are connected to corporate networks or internet-facing services, as the cleartext transmission makes it trivial for attackers to obtain authentication information from network traffic captures. The low complexity of exploitation means that even relatively unsophisticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3025 require immediate implementation of proper encryption mechanisms for credential transmission within the Niagara AX Framework. Organizations should configure the framework to utilize secure communication protocols including https with proper certificate validation, implement encrypted cookie storage mechanisms, and ensure that all authentication data is transmitted through encrypted channels. The remediation process involves updating to patched versions of the Niagara AX Framework where appropriate, configuring the system to disable cleartext credential transmission, and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. Security controls should include network monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns, implementation of secure authentication protocols, and regular security assessments of industrial control systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) classifications, and represents a technique commonly categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1552 (Unsecured Credentials). Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar credential transmission vulnerabilities in industrial control environments.