CVE-2016-2286 in MiiNePort
Summary
by MITRE
Moxa MiiNePort_E1_4641 devices with firmware 1.1.10 Build 09120714, MiiNePort_E1_7080 devices with firmware 1.1.10 Build 09120714, MiiNePort_E2_1242 devices with firmware 1.1 Build 10080614, MiiNePort_E2_4561 devices with firmware 1.1 Build 10080614, and MiiNePort E3 devices with firmware 1.0 Build 11071409 have a blank default password, which allows remote attackers to obtain access via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-2286 represents a critical authentication flaw affecting multiple Moxa network management devices including the MiiNePort_E1_4641, MiiNePort_E1_7080, MiiNePort_E2_1242, MiiNePort_E2_4561, and MiiNePort E3 series. This issue stems from the implementation of blank default passwords within the firmware versions specified, creating a persistent security weakness that fundamentally undermines the device's ability to authenticate legitimate users. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-798 as the use of hard-coded credentials, specifically blank passwords that provide unauthorized access without requiring any authentication. These devices operate within industrial network environments where they serve as critical communication endpoints, making their exposure particularly dangerous for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of proper password enforcement during device initialization, allowing any remote attacker to gain administrative access simply by connecting to the device's management interface without providing authentication credentials. This weakness exists across multiple device models and firmware versions, indicating a systemic design flaw rather than an isolated incident. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through various network access points including web interfaces, serial connections, or other management protocols that the devices support. The blank default password creates a persistent backdoor that remains active throughout the device's operational lifetime, as administrators may never discover or address this configuration issue. This vulnerability directly violates security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-125 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage default or empty credentials to establish persistent access to network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential compromise of entire industrial control networks. Attackers who exploit this weakness can modify device configurations, redirect network traffic, or establish persistent access points within the industrial environment. The exposure of these management interfaces to remote attackers poses significant risks to operational technology systems, particularly in environments where these devices control critical infrastructure communications. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance, escalate privileges, or launch further attacks against connected systems within the network perimeter. Organizations using these devices may experience unauthorized data access, configuration changes, or potential service disruption that could impact operational continuity. The risk is amplified by the fact that these devices are often deployed in remote locations with limited physical security, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking long-term access to industrial networks. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems. The persistence of this flaw across multiple firmware versions indicates a lack of proper security testing and validation during the device development lifecycle, suggesting that organizations should consider the broader security implications of using legacy industrial equipment without proper authentication mechanisms.