CVE-2013-2762 in Magelis XBT HMI
Summary
by MITRE
The Schneider Electric Magelis XBT HMI controller has a default password for authentication of configuration uploads, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via crafted configuration data.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2018
The CVE-2013-2762 vulnerability affects Schneider Electric Magelis XBT Human Machine Interface controllers, representing a critical security flaw in industrial control systems that undermines fundamental authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the configuration upload authentication process, where the device employs a default password that remains unchanged from the factory settings. The flaw exists within the controller's firmware implementation and creates a persistent backdoor that allows unauthorized parties to bypass normal access controls without requiring legitimate credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects industrial environments where operational technology systems require robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor security practices in the device's initial configuration, where default credentials are not only present but also remain active and accessible without requiring administrator intervention to change them. When an attacker crafts specific configuration data that includes the default password, they can successfully authenticate and upload modified configuration files to the controller. This creates a persistent access vector that can be exploited remotely, as the default password is typically well-documented and widely known within the security community. The flaw operates at the application layer of the device's security architecture, specifically within the configuration management interface where authentication credentials are validated before allowing upload operations to proceed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire industrial control systems through the manipulation of configuration data. An attacker with remote access can modify controller settings, alter control logic, or introduce malicious configurations that could disrupt industrial processes, cause equipment damage, or create safety hazards. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a significant risk to industrial environments where system integrity and safety are paramount. The attack surface is particularly wide given that these controllers are often deployed in remote locations with limited physical security, making remote exploitation more feasible. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as attackers can leverage these default credentials to gain unauthorized access to systems that should be protected.
Organizations must implement immediate remediation measures including changing default passwords to strong, unique credentials for all affected devices, disabling unnecessary network services, and implementing network segmentation to isolate these critical systems. The recommended mitigation strategy involves conducting comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected controllers and ensuring that default credentials are properly changed and documented. Network access controls should be implemented to restrict access to these devices to authorized personnel only, and regular security audits should be performed to ensure that default configurations are not re-enabled. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized configuration changes or attempts to use default credentials, as these activities often represent early indicators of compromise in industrial environments. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management practices and the need for robust credential management policies in industrial control systems.