CVE-2016-2282 in ioLogik E2200
Summary
by MITRE
Moxa ioLogik E2200 devices before 3.12 and ioAdmin Configuration Utility before 3.18 do not properly encrypt credentials, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain the associated cleartext via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2282 affects Moxa ioLogik E2200 industrial IoT devices and their associated ioAdmin Configuration Utility software. This weakness represents a critical security flaw in the authentication and credential handling mechanisms of these industrial control systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate encryption implementation that fails to properly protect sensitive authentication credentials stored within the device firmware or configuration utilities. Security researchers have identified that this flaw allows remote attackers to extract cleartext credentials through unspecified attack vectors that leverage the weak encryption mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission. The flaw manifests in the improper implementation of cryptographic functions within the device's firmware, where credentials are either stored in plaintext or encrypted using weak algorithms that can be easily reverse-engineered or decrypted. This weakness creates a persistent security risk as the cleartext credentials can be obtained without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack chains. The unspecified vectors referenced in the description suggest that the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple attack surfaces including network-based reconnaissance, configuration file analysis, or firmware extraction techniques that are common in industrial security assessments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader industrial control system security concerns. In industrial environments where Moxa ioLogik E2200 devices are deployed for process automation and monitoring, compromised credentials can lead to unauthorized access to critical infrastructure operations. Attackers who obtain these cleartext credentials can potentially manipulate device configurations, access sensitive operational data, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks. The vulnerability particularly affects environments following industrial standards such as IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82, where proper authentication and credential management are essential for maintaining operational technology security. The exposure of credentials through weak encryption mechanisms directly violates security principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and can compromise the integrity and availability of industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2282 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions 3.12 and above for the ioLogik E2200 devices, alongside updating the ioAdmin Configuration Utility to version 3.18 or later. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, following ATT&CK framework techniques for network ingress and credential access. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their industrial control networks and implement monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include regular credential rotation, implementation of strong authentication mechanisms, and deployment of intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for industrial protocol anomalies. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of cryptographic implementation in industrial IoT devices and aligns with the security requirements specified in IEC 62443-3-3 for secure device configuration and management.