CVE-2015-7906 in LIP-3ECTB 6.0.1
Summary
by MITRE
LOYTEC LIP-3ECTB 6.0.1, LINX-100, LVIS-3E100, and LIP-ME201 devices allow remote attackers to read a password-hash backup file via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7906 affects several LOYTEC industrial networking devices including the LIP-3ECTB 6.0.1, LINX-100, LVIS-3E100, and LIP-ME201 models. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes password hash backup files to remote attackers without proper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and improper file handling within the device firmware, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized remote access to sensitive authentication data. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple pathways including network protocols, web interfaces, or direct device connections, making it particularly concerning for industrial control systems where device security is paramount.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability constitutes a privilege escalation and information disclosure weakness that aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The flaw allows remote attackers to retrieve password hash backup files, which typically contain hashed versions of administrative credentials used for device authentication. This represents a significant compromise since password hashes can be targeted through various attack vectors including offline brute force attempts, rainbow table attacks, or credential stuffing operations. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model of these industrial devices by providing attackers with the means to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to device management functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7906 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within industrial environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain administrative control over affected devices, potentially leading to disruption of industrial processes, data manipulation, or lateral movement within networked industrial control systems. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through social engineering or exploitation of weak security controls. The affected LOYTEC devices are commonly deployed in industrial settings where network security is critical, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for critical infrastructure environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices, deployment of network access control lists to restrict access to device management interfaces, and regular firmware updates to address the vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration management and regular security assessments of industrial control systems. Device administrators should conduct thorough inventory checks to identify all affected models and ensure that default credentials are changed, network services are properly secured, and appropriate monitoring is implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically tuned to detect access patterns consistent with this type of vulnerability exploitation.
The broader implications of this vulnerability underscore the critical need for robust security practices in industrial environments where devices may have been deployed without adequate security considerations. Many industrial control systems operate with limited security updates and may have legacy configurations that make them particularly vulnerable to attacks like CVE-2015-7906. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that industrial security requires ongoing attention and that organizations must maintain current threat intelligence to protect against known vulnerabilities in their operational technology infrastructure. The attack surface created by this flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor security oversights can lead to significant operational risks in critical infrastructure environments.