CVE-2014-9198 in ETG3000
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP server on the Schneider Electric ETG3000 FactoryCast HMI Gateway with firmware through 1.60 IR 04 has hardcoded credentials, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via an FTP session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The Schneider Electric ETG3000 FactoryCast HMI Gateway represents a critical component in industrial automation environments where secure remote access to human machine interfaces is essential for operational efficiency. This device serves as a bridge between industrial control systems and enterprise networks, facilitating data exchange and remote monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability identified in firmware versions through 1.60 IR 04 exposes a fundamental security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial network communications. The affected device operates with a default configuration that includes hardcoded credentials, creating a persistent security weakness that persists across device reboots and configuration changes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials within the device firmware. The FTP server component contains hardcoded username and password combinations that are embedded directly into the software code rather than being dynamically generated or stored securely. This approach violates fundamental security principles and aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations. The hardcoded credentials remain static regardless of system updates or security policies, creating a persistent attack surface that attackers can exploit without requiring complex exploitation techniques. This flaw specifically impacts the authentication mechanism of the FTP service, which operates on standard port 21 and provides unencrypted file transfer capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass significant risks to industrial control system security. Remote attackers can leverage these hardcoded credentials to establish FTP sessions and gain access to the device's file system, potentially allowing them to modify configuration files, upload malicious software, or exfiltrate sensitive operational data. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of network segmentation or additional security controls. This poses severe implications for industrial environments where the integrity of control systems directly affects operational safety and production continuity. The attack surface is particularly concerning because FTP sessions can be initiated from any network location without requiring additional authentication factors or network access controls.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and credential access. Attackers can leverage this weakness as part of a broader attack chain that may include reconnaissance, lateral movement, and privilege escalation within industrial networks. The presence of hardcoded credentials enables attackers to bypass standard authentication mechanisms and establish persistent access to industrial control systems. Organizations implementing the ETG3000 gateway may face increased risk of industrial espionage, operational disruption, and potential safety incidents if these credentials are discovered and exploited. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security hygiene in industrial device development, where default credentials are not properly secured or changed during deployment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the hardcoded credential issue. The primary recommendation involves firmware updates from Schneider Electric that remove or dynamically generate authentication credentials. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial devices from general enterprise networks, reducing the attack surface available to remote attackers. Additional controls include disabling unnecessary services such as FTP when not required for operational purposes, implementing network access controls, and establishing robust monitoring for unauthorized FTP access attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive asset inventories to identify all affected devices and implement mandatory credential change procedures during deployment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management and proper software development practices in industrial environments, where security should be integrated from the design phase rather than addressed as an afterthought.