CVE-2015-7921 in GP-Pro EX EX-ED
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP server in Pro-face GP-Pro EX EX-ED before 4.05.000, PFXEXEDV before 4.05.000, PFXEXEDLS before 4.05.000, and PFXEXGRPLS before 4.05.000 has hardcoded credentials, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass authentication by leveraging knowledge of these credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7921 represents a critical authentication flaw in several versions of Pro-face GP-Pro EX software products including EX-ED, PFXEXEDV, PFXEXEDLS, and PFXEXGRPLS. This issue stems from the implementation of hardcoded credentials within the FTP server component, creating a persistent security weakness that significantly undermines the system's authentication mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to bypass authentication processes without requiring any specialized tools or techniques, making it particularly dangerous in industrial control environments where such systems are commonly deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications. The flaw manifests when the FTP server component contains embedded username and password combinations that are not dynamically generated or securely stored, but rather hardcoded directly into the software binaries. This design decision fundamentally compromises the security model of the authentication system, as these credentials remain static regardless of system updates or security policies. Attackers who gain knowledge of these hardcoded credentials can immediately establish unauthorized FTP connections to the affected systems, bypassing all normal authentication procedures and gaining access to system resources and data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates persistent entry points for malicious actors within industrial environments. In the context of industrial control systems and SCADA networks where Pro-face products are commonly deployed, this vulnerability can enable attackers to modify configuration files, upload malicious software, or exfiltrate sensitive operational data. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this weakness from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions, data compromise, or even physical system manipulation. The vulnerability affects multiple variants of the Pro-face software, indicating a systemic design flaw rather than an isolated incident, which amplifies the potential impact across various industrial applications.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution. Organizations utilizing these affected Pro-face products face increased risk of lateral movement within their networks once initial access is achieved, as the hardcoded credentials can be leveraged to compromise additional systems. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple software variants suggests that organizations should conduct comprehensive audits of their industrial control system deployments to identify all affected installations. Mitigation strategies should include immediate software updates to versions 4.05.000 or later, which address the hardcoded credential issue through proper credential management practices. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized FTP access attempts, while regular security assessments should verify that no other hardcoded credentials exist within the industrial control environment. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls to restrict FTP server access to authorized personnel only, and establish procedures for regularly reviewing and updating authentication mechanisms within industrial control systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.