CVE-2016-0861 in Industrial Solutions UPS SNMP-Web Adapter
Summary
by MITRE
General Electric (GE) Industrial Solutions UPS SNMP/Web Adapter devices with firmware before 4.8 allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0861 affects General Electric Industrial Solutions UPS SNMP/Web Adapter devices running firmware versions prior to 4.8. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability resides within the device's web interface and SNMP management capabilities, creating a significant security risk for industrial control systems and data center infrastructure. These devices are commonly deployed in enterprise environments where uninterrupted power supply management is critical, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to disrupt operations or gain broader network access.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data within the web application interface of the UPS adapter. Attackers with legitimate authentication credentials can exploit this vulnerability through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of web parameters or API calls. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary command execution, meaning an authenticated user can potentially run any command on the underlying operating system of the device. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing improper input validation and code injection flaws that enable remote command execution. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the device operates in networked environments where administrative access is often required for routine maintenance and monitoring activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and potential disruption of critical power infrastructure. Organizations using these devices may experience service interruptions, data corruption, or unauthorized modification of power management configurations that could result in equipment damage or safety hazards. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the device, and the authenticated requirement reduces the attack surface complexity while still maintaining significant risk. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation. The affected devices typically operate as part of larger industrial control systems where a single compromised component can potentially lead to cascading failures across the entire power infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0861 primarily focus on firmware updates and network segmentation. Organizations should immediately upgrade all affected UPS SNMP/Web Adapter devices to firmware version 4.8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command execution vulnerability. Network administrators should implement strict access controls and limit the number of users with administrative privileges to reduce the attack surface. Additional protective measures include deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems, and regularly reviewing access logs for suspicious activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions in industrial environments and demonstrates how seemingly minor security flaws can have significant operational consequences in critical infrastructure systems. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that limit lateral movement even when initial access is gained, as well as establishing robust patch management processes for industrial control systems.