CVE-2015-2847 in Tuxedo Touch
Summary
by MITRE
Honeywell Tuxedo Touch before 5.2.19.0_VA relies on client-side authentication involving JavaScript, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions by removing USERACCT requests from the client-server data stream.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2847 affects Honeywell Tuxedo Touch systems prior to version 5.2.19.0_VA, representing a critical security flaw in access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the system's reliance on client-side authentication processes that utilize JavaScript implementations, creating a fundamental weakness in the security architecture. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication flow where client-server communication includes USERACCT requests that are essential for verifying user credentials and access permissions. When these authentication requests are stripped from the data stream by remote attackers, the system fails to properly validate user access, thereby allowing unauthorized individuals to bypass intended security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the client-server communication channel where attackers can intercept and modify data packets. By removing USERACCT requests from the client-server data stream, malicious actors effectively eliminate the authentication checks that should occur before granting system access. This approach demonstrates a classic client-side validation flaw where security decisions are made on the client side rather than being enforced on the server side. The vulnerability essentially transforms the authentication mechanism from a server-enforced security control into a client-trust-based system, which is inherently insecure as client-side components can be easily manipulated or bypassed.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for Honeywell Tuxedo Touch systems that are deployed in environments requiring robust access controls. The ability to bypass authentication without requiring valid credentials or proper authorization creates opportunities for unauthorized access to building automation systems, potentially allowing attackers to modify security settings, access sensitive data, or disrupt system operations. This represents a critical weakness in the security architecture since the system's ability to enforce access restrictions is completely undermined, potentially exposing entire facilities to unauthorized control and manipulation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-345 Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity, which addresses the problem of relying on client-side validation for security-critical operations. This weakness specifically targets the absence of proper server-side authentication verification, making the system susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and data stream manipulation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as attackers can leverage the bypassed authentication to maintain persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability also relates to T1087 Account Discovery, as unauthorized access could enable attackers to enumerate valid accounts and further compromise the system.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Honeywell Tuxedo Touch version 5.2.19.0_VA or later, which addresses this specific authentication bypass vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring of client-server communication should be implemented to detect anomalous data stream modifications. Additionally, server-side authentication verification should be strengthened to ensure that all authentication requests are properly validated regardless of client-side modifications. Security personnel should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other systems that may be using similar client-side authentication mechanisms that could be susceptible to similar attacks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the authentication bypass no longer occurs and that proper access controls are maintained throughout the system.