CVE-2016-0871 in Lighting EG2 Web Control
Summary
by MITRE
Eaton Lighting EG2 Web Control 4.04P and earlier allows remote attackers to read the configuration file, and consequently discover credentials, via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0871 affects Eaton Lighting EG2 Web Control versions 4.04P and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in networked lighting control systems. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the web interface of the device, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to directly request and retrieve sensitive configuration files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exposes the underlying architecture and authentication credentials of the lighting control system, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to the entire network infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through a lack of proper authentication checks and authorization controls within the web application interface. Attackers can simply construct a direct HTTP request to access configuration files that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. This weakness falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-285, where the system fails to properly verify that the requesting entity has the necessary permissions to access specific resources. The vulnerability enables attackers to extract sensitive information including usernames, passwords, and other authentication credentials that are stored in plain text within the configuration files, making the exploitation process straightforward and highly effective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive insight into the lighting control system's configuration and potentially exposes the broader network infrastructure. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can escalate their privileges and gain full administrative control over the EG2 Web Control device, potentially using these credentials to access other systems within the same network segment. This represents a significant risk for organizations that rely on Eaton Lighting products for critical infrastructure management, as the compromise of a single lighting control device could lead to broader network infiltration and potential operational disruption. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the lighting control systems, as attackers could modify configurations or disable critical functions.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the Eaton Lighting EG2 Web Control software, implementing network segmentation to isolate critical lighting control systems, and applying proper access controls through firewalls and network access control lists. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary web interfaces, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive network audits to identify other potentially vulnerable devices. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains, where adversaries seek to obtain credentials and elevate their access privileges within compromised systems. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other networked devices and prevent similar exploitation scenarios.