CVE-2014-5396 in Technik microControl
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in Schrack Technik microControl with firmware before 1.7.0 (937) has a hardcoded password of not for the "user" account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5396 affects the web interface of Schrack Technik microControl devices running firmware versions prior to 1.7.0. This represents a critical security flaw that directly impacts network-accessible management interfaces commonly used in enterprise environments for monitoring and controlling IT infrastructure. The affected devices are typically deployed in data centers and server rooms where they provide remote management capabilities through web-based interfaces, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to critical systems.
The technical flaw stems from a hardcoded credential implementation where the password "not" is embedded within the device firmware for the default "user" account. This violates fundamental security principles by creating a persistent, predictable authentication mechanism that cannot be changed through normal administrative procedures. The hardcoded nature of this credential means that every device running the vulnerable firmware version contains identical authentication information, effectively creating a massive attack surface where a single knowledge of this password can compromise multiple systems simultaneously. This vulnerability falls under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software applications and systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including but not limited to system configuration changes, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the network. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that may include web-based attacks, network scanning, or social engineering techniques that leverage the predictable nature of the hardcoded credentials. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where these devices are exposed to untrusted networks or where proper network segmentation has not been implemented, creating opportunities for lateral movement within compromised networks.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 1.7.0 or later, which would resolve the hardcoded credential issue through proper credential management and authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to these management interfaces to authorized administrative workstations only, while implementing strong access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and ensure that default credentials are changed immediately upon firmware updates. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for robust authentication and access control measures in network infrastructure devices.