CVE-2016-0867 in PlantVisorEnhanced
Summary
by MITRE
CAREL PlantVisorEnhanced allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via a direct file request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The CVE-2016-0867 vulnerability affects CAREL PlantVisorEnhanced, a web-based interface for industrial control systems used in building automation and environmental monitoring applications. This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw that allows remote attackers to bypass intended security restrictions through direct file requests. The flaw exists within the web application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, specifically in how it handles file access requests. When users attempt to access files through the PlantVisorEnhanced interface, the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting user has appropriate permissions to access the requested resources. This weakness enables unauthorized individuals to directly request sensitive files without proper authentication, effectively circumventing the intended access controls that should protect system configuration data, user credentials, and operational parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and weak access control enforcement within the web application layer. Attackers can exploit this by constructing direct HTTP requests to specific file paths that would normally require authenticated access or specific user privileges to retrieve. The vulnerability manifests when the application does not adequately verify user sessions or roles before serving requested files, allowing attackers to bypass the standard authentication flow entirely. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering. The weakness creates a path for attackers to access sensitive system information that should be restricted to authorized personnel only, potentially exposing critical infrastructure operational data and configuration settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and gain deeper system control. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can access sensitive configuration files, system logs, and potentially user credentials stored within the PlantVisorEnhanced environment. This access could enable attackers to understand the system architecture, identify other potential vulnerabilities, and develop more sophisticated attack strategies. The industrial control environment makes this particularly concerning as it could lead to operational disruptions, data breaches, or even physical system compromise if the attackers can manipulate control parameters. Organizations using CAREL PlantVisorEnhanced systems face significant risk of unauthorized access to their building automation systems, potentially affecting critical infrastructure operations and security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0867 should focus on strengthening access control mechanisms and implementing proper input validation within the web application. Organizations should ensure that all file access requests are properly authenticated and authorized before serving content, implementing robust session management and role-based access controls. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be deployed to restrict direct access to sensitive system components, while regular security audits should verify that access controls are properly enforced. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that all devices running CAREL PlantVisorEnhanced are updated with the latest security patches from the vendor and that proper network monitoring is in place to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and establish regular security training for personnel who interact with these industrial control systems to prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability.