CVE-2015-0995 in Inductive Automation Ignition
Summary
by MITRE
Inductive Automation Ignition 7.7.2 uses MD5 password hashes, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0995 affects Inductive Automation Ignition version 7.7.2, a industrial automation platform widely used in manufacturing and process control environments. This security flaw represents a significant weakness in the system's authentication mechanism, as it employs the deprecated MD5 hashing algorithm for password storage. The use of MD5 in modern security contexts violates fundamental cryptographic best practices and creates exploitable weaknesses that adversaries can leverage to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication process where user credentials are hashed using MD5 instead of more secure algorithms such as SHA-256 or bcrypt, making the system susceptible to various attack vectors.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the platform's decision to utilize MD5 for password hashing, which has been extensively criticized and deprecated by security experts due to its vulnerability to collision attacks and rainbow table exploitation. MD5 produces a 128-bit hash value that can be computed rapidly, making brute-force attacks particularly effective against password databases. Attackers can leverage precomputed hash tables, known as rainbow tables, to reverse-engineer MD5 hashes back to their original passwords, significantly reducing the time and computational resources required for successful credential compromise. This weakness is particularly dangerous in industrial control systems where unauthorized access could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or data breaches. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-327 weakness category, which specifically addresses the use of insecure cryptographic algorithms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for credential access through brute force methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of industrial automation systems. In manufacturing environments, where Ignition is commonly deployed for SCADA and HMI applications, an attacker who successfully exploits this weakness could gain access to critical control systems, potentially leading to production disruptions, safety incidents, or even physical damage to equipment. The context-dependent nature of this attack means that adversaries typically need network access to the system to attempt brute-force attacks, but once successful, the consequences can be severe. The vulnerability affects all user accounts within the system, making it particularly dangerous for environments where multiple operators require different access levels, as a single compromised credential could provide broad access to the entire automation infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Inductive Automation Ignition 7.7.2 should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability, beginning with upgrading to a newer version of the software that employs secure hashing algorithms. The most effective immediate solution involves enforcing strong password policies combined with account lockout mechanisms to prevent successful brute-force attacks. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected system to unauthorized users. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include regular security audits and penetration testing to ensure that cryptographic implementations meet current security standards, aligning with NIST guidelines for secure password storage and authentication mechanisms.