CVE-2015-3949 in eSolar Light
Summary
by MITRE
Sinapsi eSolar Light with firmware before 2.0.3970_schsl_2.2.85 allows attackers to discover cleartext passwords by reading the HTML source code of the mail-configuration page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3949 affects the Sinapsi eSolar Light device, specifically targeting its web-based configuration interface. This issue resides in the device's firmware version prior to 2.0.3970_schsl_2.2.85, creating a significant security risk through improper handling of sensitive information within the web interface. The flaw manifests when attackers can access the mail-configuration page and extract cleartext passwords directly from the HTML source code, fundamentally undermining the device's authentication security mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the web application layer of the device. When the configuration page renders the mail server settings, the system fails to properly obscure or encrypt password fields, instead displaying them in plain text within the HTML markup. This represents a classic case of insufficient data protection during web rendering processes, where sensitive credentials are exposed through the application's user interface rather than being properly secured through encryption or obfuscation techniques. The vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to the device's email notification system and potentially enabling broader network compromise. An attacker who discovers these cleartext passwords can leverage them to send malicious emails, modify device configurations, or gain unauthorized access to the device's administrative functions. This vulnerability significantly weakens the device's security posture by providing attackers with readily available authentication credentials that would otherwise require more sophisticated attack vectors to obtain. The exposure of email configuration credentials can also lead to downstream impacts including spam relay abuse, phishing attacks, or further network infiltration through compromised email accounts.
Organizations and users should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to version 2.0.3970_schsl_2.2.85 or later, which addresses the cleartext password exposure issue. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate affected devices from critical network segments, while regular monitoring of device configuration changes becomes essential. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure web application development practices, particularly around credential handling and output sanitization, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security. Additionally, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering tactics through credential access, and highlights the need for proper security controls in IoT devices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information.