CVE-2016-0875 in EDR-G903
Summary
by MITRE
Moxa Secure Router EDR-G903 devices before 3.4.12 allow remote attackers to read configuration and log files via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2018
The Moxa Secure Router EDR-G903 represents a critical network infrastructure device that serves as a gateway for industrial and enterprise environments. These devices are designed to provide secure communication pathways while maintaining configuration integrity and operational visibility through comprehensive logging mechanisms. The vulnerability under analysis affects versions prior to 3.4.12, indicating a long-standing security flaw that persisted across multiple releases. The affected device operates within industrial control systems and network security contexts where unauthorized access to configuration data could lead to significant operational disruptions and security breaches.
This vulnerability manifests through an insecure direct object reference flaw that allows remote attackers to manipulate URL parameters and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files. The flaw exists in the web interface handling of file paths, where user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being used to construct file access requests. Attackers can craft specific URLs that bypass normal access controls and directly reference system configuration files, log files, and potentially other sensitive data stored within the device's file system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous for devices deployed in unsecured network environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise entire network security postures. Configuration files may contain sensitive parameters such as network credentials, access control settings, device management configurations, and communication protocols that could be leveraged for further attacks. Log files often contain operational data, user access patterns, and system events that could provide attackers with valuable intelligence for targeting other network components. The exposure of such information creates opportunities for privilege escalation, lateral movement, and comprehensive network reconnaissance that aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre att&ck framework under initial access and credential access phases.
Organizations utilizing these devices face significant risks including unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of critical operations. The vulnerability affects industrial environments where network security is paramount and where the exposure of configuration data could lead to compromise of operational technology systems. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from any network location without requiring prior access credentials. Security professionals should consider implementing network segmentation, access control lists, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The issue also highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in network infrastructure devices, as outlined in common weakness enumeration standards where this vulnerability maps to cwe-22 and cwe-23 related to path traversal and insecure direct object references.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of firmware updates to version 3.4.12 or later, which address the directory traversal vulnerability through proper input validation and access control mechanisms. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to device management interfaces, network monitoring to detect suspicious URL patterns, and regular security audits to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for industrial control systems and network infrastructure devices, particularly in environments where physical security measures may be insufficient to prevent remote exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit similar vulnerabilities in other network components and establish comprehensive incident response procedures for handling potential security breaches originating from such flaws.