CVE-2015-8362 in AMX
Summary
by MITRE
The setUpSubtleUserAccount function in /bin/bw on Harman AMX devices before 2015-10-12 has a hardcoded password for the BlackWidow account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a (1) SSH or (2) HTTP session, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1984.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8362 affects Harman AMX devices running firmware versions prior to October 12, 2015, specifically targeting the /bin/bw binary component. This issue resides within the setUpSubtleUserAccount function which establishes a BlackWidow user account with a predetermined password, creating a significant security weakness that persists across multiple attack vectors. The flaw represents a classic hard-coded credential vulnerability that fundamentally undermines the device's authentication mechanisms and provides unauthorized access pathways to attackers. This vulnerability operates independently from CVE-2016-1984, indicating that it represents a distinct security weakness within the same product line.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a hardcoded password within the setUpSubtleUserAccount function, which is executed during the device's initialization or configuration process. This hardcoded credential allows remote attackers to establish both SSH and HTTP sessions with the BlackWidow account without requiring legitimate authentication. The presence of such a static password creates a persistent backdoor that remains active regardless of system updates or normal security measures. The vulnerability specifically targets the BlackWidow account, which likely represents a privileged administrative user role within the device's access control framework, making this compromise particularly dangerous for system integrity and data protection.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to Harman AMX devices through well-established network protocols. The SSH access vector allows for command-line interface exploitation, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access. The HTTP session access vector provides web-based exploitation capabilities, allowing attackers to leverage common web application vulnerabilities or simply use the device's web interface for administrative tasks. The combination of these attack vectors significantly increases the exploitability of the vulnerability and reduces the attack surface required for successful compromise. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the device's security architecture by providing a predictable authentication mechanism.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the device's secure boot and authentication design. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access points, potentially leading to complete system compromise or use the device as a foothold for lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded passwords in security-critical applications, and demonstrates how such flaws can be exploited through multiple vectors including network-based attacks and remote code execution. Organizations utilizing Harman AMX devices should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessment frameworks and implement immediate remediation measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8362 primarily involve updating firmware to versions released after October 12, 2015, which contain the necessary patches to address the hardcoded password issue. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as network segmentation, firewall rules to restrict SSH and HTTP access, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper credential management and the dangers of hard-coded authentication mechanisms in embedded systems. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices and implement robust patch management processes to prevent similar issues in the future. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure development practices and the importance of avoiding hardcoded credentials in security-sensitive applications.