CVE-2015-0991 in Inductive Automation Ignition
Summary
by MITRE
Inductive Automation Ignition 7.7.2 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading an error message about an unhandled exception, as demonstrated by pathname information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0991 affects Inductive Automation Ignition 7.7.2, a industrial automation platform widely used in manufacturing and process control environments. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the system fails to properly handle exceptional conditions during processing. The vulnerability manifests when the software encounters an unhandled exception and subsequently generates an error message that inadvertently reveals sensitive system information to remote attackers. The specific type of information exposed includes pathname details that can provide attackers with insights into the underlying system architecture and file structure.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the Ignition platform's exception management system. When the software processes certain inputs or encounters unexpected conditions, it fails to implement proper sanitization of error messages before returning them to client applications. The unhandled exception occurs in a manner that allows the system to generate verbose error output containing system path information, which should never be exposed to external entities. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the disclosure of exception information, and represents a common pattern in software development where error handling is insufficiently implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security engineering practices where system internals are exposed through error messages without proper filtering or abstraction.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0991 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked pathname information can significantly aid attackers in planning more sophisticated attacks against the industrial control system. An attacker who can obtain path information gains valuable reconnaissance data that can be used for directory traversal attacks, privilege escalation attempts, or to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the system. In industrial environments where Ignition is deployed, this information disclosure can compromise the security posture of critical infrastructure by revealing internal system layouts that should remain confidential. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to exploit this weakness without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for reconnaissance activities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1212 - Exploitation for Credential Access, as the leaked information can facilitate further exploitation attempts, and T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as the path information directly reveals system structure.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling and sanitization mechanisms within the Ignition platform. Organizations should ensure that all error messages generated by the system are properly filtered to remove sensitive information before being transmitted to client applications. This includes implementing generic error messages that do not reveal system internals, pathnames, or other potentially useful information for attackers. The fix should involve configuring the application to log detailed error information internally while returning minimal, non-informative messages to external users. Security patches should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability, as it represents a significant risk to industrial control systems where unauthorized access could lead to operational disruptions or safety hazards. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the Ignition platform to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries.