CVE-2015-0992 in Inductive Automation Ignition
Summary
by MITRE
Inductive Automation Ignition 7.7.2 stores cleartext OPC Server credentials, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0992 affects Inductive Automation Ignition 7.7.2, a industrial automation platform widely used in manufacturing and process control environments. This security flaw represents a critical configuration issue where the software persistently stores OPC (OLE for Process Control) server credentials in cleartext format within its configuration files or databases. The vulnerability specifically targets local users who have access to the system, creating a significant risk for environments where physical or network access controls may be insufficient. OPC servers are fundamental components in industrial control systems that facilitate communication between various devices and applications, making credential exposure particularly dangerous as it can enable unauthorized access to critical industrial processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor security practices in credential storage mechanisms within the Ignition software. When administrators configure OPC server connections, the system writes the authentication credentials directly to storage without implementing proper encryption or obfuscation measures. This cleartext storage approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent attack surface that remains exploitable even after the initial configuration process. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist for local users to access these stored credentials, potentially including file system access, process memory inspection, or other local reconnaissance techniques. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) which categorizes the improper handling of sensitive data in an unencrypted format, making it accessible to any user with local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-0992 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that may be connected to critical infrastructure. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially access OPC servers and gain control over industrial processes, leading to operational disruptions, data manipulation, or even physical safety hazards in manufacturing environments. The threat landscape for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Credentials In Files) which describes methods for accessing credentials stored in files, and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as the compromised credentials can be used to establish persistent access to industrial control systems. Organizations using Ignition 7.7.2 face significant risk of lateral movement within their industrial networks, as these credentials can potentially be used to access multiple OPC servers or other connected systems that rely on the same authentication mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of Inductive Automation Ignition software, implementing strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local system access, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their industrial control systems. System administrators should review and restrict file system permissions for configuration directories containing sensitive information, while also implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for protecting sensitive information in industrial environments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized access attempts to configuration files and credential storage locations. Regular security training for system administrators on proper credential management and the risks associated with cleartext storage is essential for reducing the likelihood of exploitation. The remediation process should also include thorough credential rotation for any systems that may have been compromised, ensuring that attackers cannot leverage stolen credentials for extended periods of unauthorized access.