CVE-2014-9199 in Java Web Client
Summary
by MITRE
The Clorius Controls Java web client before 01.00.0009g allows remote attackers to discover credentials by sniffing the network for cleartext-equivalent traffic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The CVE-2014-9199 vulnerability affects the Clorius Controls Java web client version 01.00.0009g and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through its improper handling of authentication credentials. This flaw enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive login information by intercepting network traffic, specifically targeting cleartext transmission methods that expose user credentials during authentication processes. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the application's security architecture, as it directly undermines the confidentiality of authentication data through passive network monitoring techniques.
The technical flaw stems from the application's failure to implement secure communication protocols for credential transmission, relying instead on cleartext methods that make authentication data visible to anyone with access to the network traffic. This design oversight creates an attack surface where malicious actors can easily capture user credentials through packet sniffing operations, particularly when the application communicates over unencrypted channels. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission, making it a direct violation of fundamental security principles for protecting authentication data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for Clorius Controls users and organizations relying on the affected Java web client. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic is not properly secured. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft to potential system compromise, as stolen credentials can be used to gain unauthorized access to control systems, leading to operational disruptions, data breaches, and potential physical security risks in industrial control environments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075, which covers the use of legitimate credentials for unauthorized access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory use of encrypted communication channels such as SSL/TLS for all network traffic, implementation of network segmentation to limit exposure, and deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to Clorius Controls Java web client version 01.00.0009g or later, which addresses this vulnerability through proper credential encryption mechanisms. Additionally, security policies should enforce the use of strong authentication methods including multi-factor authentication and regular credential rotation to minimize the impact of potential credential exposure. Network administrators should also consider implementing network access controls and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized credential interception attempts, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth approaches to protect critical infrastructure systems.