CVE-2016-2283 in ioLogik E2200
Summary
by MITRE
Moxa ioLogik E2200 devices before 3.12 and ioAdmin Configuration Utility before 3.18 do not properly encrypt data, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain the associated cleartext via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2019
The CVE-2016-2283 vulnerability affects Moxa ioLogik E2200 industrial devices and their associated ioAdmin Configuration Utility software. This weakness represents a critical failure in cryptographic implementation that undermines the security posture of industrial control systems. The vulnerability stems from improper data encryption mechanisms within the device firmware and configuration utility, creating exploitable conditions that allow remote attackers to intercept and recover cleartext data without requiring significant technical expertise or privileged access. The affected versions include ioLogik E2200 devices running firmware versions prior to 3.12 and the ioAdmin Configuration Utility versions before 3.18, indicating a widespread impact across multiple software components within the Moxa industrial networking ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests in the inadequate implementation of encryption protocols that should safeguard sensitive data transmission and storage within these industrial devices. This weakness falls under the broader category of cryptographic failures as defined by CWE-310, specifically addressing issues related to improper encryption implementation. The vulnerability creates a path for attackers to access cleartext data through unspecified vectors, suggesting that the encryption mechanisms may be completely absent, weak, or improperly configured. The lack of proper encryption allows adversaries to potentially intercept configuration data, user credentials, operational parameters, and other sensitive information that should remain protected within the industrial control environment. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles governing data protection in networked industrial systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2283 extends beyond simple data exposure to potentially compromise the integrity and availability of industrial control systems. Remote attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to configuration settings that might reveal network topology, device identifiers, and operational parameters that could be leveraged for further attacks within the industrial network. The ability to recover cleartext data creates opportunities for attackers to perform reconnaissance, conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent access points within the industrial infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial devices are connected to corporate networks or exposed to external network access, making them susceptible to exploitation by adversaries with minimal network proximity requirements. The impact is especially concerning in critical infrastructure sectors where industrial control systems require robust security measures to prevent operational disruption or safety hazards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2283 should prioritize immediate firmware and software updates to versions 3.12 and 3.18 respectively, which address the underlying encryption implementation flaws. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to affected devices and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and defense evasion, making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems. Network administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their industrial environments to identify all affected Moxa devices and ensure proper encryption mechanisms are enabled. Additionally, implementing network access controls, regular security audits, and maintaining up-to-date security patches forms a comprehensive defense strategy against this type of cryptographic weakness. The remediation process should include verification of encryption functionality and testing of secure communication channels to ensure that the vulnerability has been properly addressed.