CVE-2015-7914 in EY-WS505F0x0 moduWeb Vision
Summary
by MITRE
Sauter EY-WS505F0x0 moduWeb Vision before 1.6.0 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by leveraging knowledge of a password hash without knowledge of the associated password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2018
The Sauter EY-WS505F0x0 moduWeb Vision device represents a web-based interface for industrial automation systems that suffered from a critical authentication bypass vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7914. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.6.0 of the moduWeb Vision software, which is commonly deployed in industrial environments for monitoring and control purposes. The device operates within the operational technology domain, where security is paramount for maintaining system integrity and preventing unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of password authentication mechanisms within the web interface. Specifically, attackers can exploit the system by leveraging knowledge of password hashes without possessing the actual password that generated those hashes. This represents a fundamental weakness in the authentication architecture where the system fails to properly validate the relationship between the hash and the original password. The vulnerability exists because the authentication process does not adequately verify that the hash corresponds to a valid password that the user legitimately knows, allowing attackers to bypass authentication entirely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the entire security posture of industrial control systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full administrative access to the moduWeb Vision interface, potentially enabling them to modify system configurations, access sensitive operational data, or disrupt industrial processes. This threat is particularly concerning in industrial environments where such systems control critical infrastructure, as it could lead to significant operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a classic case of authentication bypass through hash manipulation.
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves remote exploitation, meaning that attackers do not require physical access to the device or network proximity to the system. This remote capability significantly increases the threat surface and makes the vulnerability more dangerous, as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The attack is particularly insidious because it requires minimal information from the attacker - simply knowledge of a valid password hash - which can often be obtained through various means such as database breaches, network sniffing, or other reconnaissance activities. This vulnerability demonstrates weaknesses in the system's security design that should have implemented proper cryptographic practices and authentication validation mechanisms.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to version 1.6.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass issue. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of industrial systems to external networks. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts and suspicious authentication activities. The remediation process should include thorough security assessments of all industrial control systems to identify similar vulnerabilities, particularly those related to authentication mechanisms and password handling. This vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing robust authentication security practices, including proper password hashing with salt, secure session management, and regular security updates as recommended by industrial security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 standards.