CVE-2014-8329 in Technik microControl
Summary
by MITRE
Schrack Technik microControl with firmware before 1.7.0 (937) stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain access data for the ftp and telnet services via a direct request for ZTPUsrDtls.txt.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8329 affects Schrack Technik microControl devices running firmware versions prior to 1.7.0 build 937. This security flaw represents a critical configuration weakness that exposes sensitive system information to unauthorized remote actors. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the device's web interface, creating a path for attackers to directly access confidential data through specific file requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure storage of sensitive information within the web root directory of the affected devices. This directory structure is designed to serve web content to users but lacks proper access restrictions for files containing authentication credentials. The specific file ZTPUsrDtls.txt contains user details including credentials for both ftp and telnet services, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent access to the device. The flaw operates through a direct request mechanism that bypasses normal authentication flows, allowing attackers to retrieve this information without proper authorization.
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply making a direct HTTP request to access the ZTPUsrDtls.txt file, which contains the sensitive credentials. This creates an immediate and severe security risk as it provides unauthorized parties with direct access to both ftp and telnet services on the device. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as these services often provide administrative access to the device configuration and network management capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path to privilege escalation and persistent access within network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using Schrack Technik microControl devices in their network infrastructure. Network administrators may unknowingly expose their systems to unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to gain control of network management functions, modify device configurations, or use the compromised credentials to access other systems within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where these devices serve as network gateways or management points, as they often control access to critical network resources and services.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through network infrastructure devices. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 1.7.0 or later, proper access control configuration for web root directories, and network segmentation to limit access to these management interfaces. Regular security audits of network infrastructure devices and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts should also be implemented to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.