CVE-2015-6465 in EDS-405A
Summary
by MITRE
The GoAhead web server on Moxa EDS-405A and EDS-408A switches with firmware before 3.6 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (reboot) via a crafted URL.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6465 affects the GoAhead web server implementation within Moxa EDS-405A and EDS-408A industrial network switches. This security flaw represents a significant concern for operational technology environments where these devices are deployed, as it enables authenticated attackers to trigger unauthorized system reboots. The affected firmware versions prior to 3.6 contain a critical design flaw that manifests when processing specifically crafted URL requests, allowing malicious actors with valid credentials to disrupt network operations through deliberate system restarts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the web server component of the affected Moxa switches. When a remote authenticated user submits a crafted URL containing malicious parameters, the GoAhead web server fails to properly sanitize or validate the incoming request data. This input validation failure creates an exploitable condition that results in a system reboot rather than the expected normal web server operation. The vulnerability is classified as a denial of service condition that specifically targets the system's stability and availability, effectively rendering the network switch temporarily inoperable.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6465 extends beyond simple service disruption, as industrial network switches form critical components of many operational technology environments. In manufacturing, energy, or telecommunications infrastructure, the unauthorized reboot of network switches can lead to extended downtime, production losses, and potential safety hazards. The authenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries must first obtain valid credentials, but this does not mitigate the risk since compromised accounts can still be leveraged for disruption. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to system instability. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1499, specifically targeting network infrastructure to cause denial of service conditions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 3.6 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation flaw. Network administrators should also implement strict access controls and credential management practices to limit the number of authenticated users who can potentially exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual reboot patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their industrial control systems to identify other potentially affected devices running older firmware versions of the GoAhead web server. The remediation process must include thorough testing of firmware updates in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing network configurations and operational requirements.