CVE-2016-2295 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 allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive cleartext information by reading a configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2295 affects Moxa network communication devices including various MiiNePort series models with specific firmware versions. These devices are designed for industrial network connectivity and remote management, making them critical infrastructure components in many operational technology environments. The flaw resides in how these devices handle configuration file access, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely by unauthorized parties. This vulnerability represents a classic case of improper access control and information disclosure in networked industrial equipment, where sensitive operational data becomes accessible through simple file reading operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file permission controls within the device firmware. When these Moxa devices process configuration requests, they fail to properly validate access permissions for sensitive files containing cleartext credentials, network settings, and other operational parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply reading specific configuration files through network interfaces without requiring authentication or specialized tools. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level, meaning the flaw exists in the core system software rather than application layers, making it difficult to patch through conventional software updates. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a fundamental failure in information hiding principles within embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can provide attackers with comprehensive insights into network configurations and device management parameters. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains access to cleartext passwords, network topology information, device identification details, and potentially other sensitive operational data that could be used for further attacks. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need physical access to the devices or network proximity, enabling widespread compromise from external networks. This vulnerability significantly undermines the security posture of industrial networks where these devices are deployed, as it can facilitate lateral movement within networks and provide attackers with information necessary for more sophisticated attacks. The affected devices operate in environments where security is paramount, making this information disclosure particularly dangerous for critical infrastructure sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2295 require immediate attention and multi-layered approaches to address both the immediate vulnerability and prevent future occurrences. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems and limit the attack surface. The most effective immediate solution involves applying firmware updates from Moxa that address the file access control issues, though these updates may not be available for all affected models. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect unusual file access patterns or unauthorized configuration file reads. Additionally, implementing strong network access controls, disabling unnecessary services, and enforcing strict authentication requirements can help reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure configuration management in industrial environments and highlights the need for regular security assessments of operational technology infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control policies that prevent unauthorized access to device management interfaces and establish procedures for secure device lifecycle management to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future deployments.