CVE-2016-2296 in WEB'log
Summary
by MITRE
Meteocontrol WEB'log Basic 100, Light, Pro, and Pro Unlimited does not require authentication for "post-admin" login pages, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information or modify data via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2296 affects Meteocontrol WEB'log series devices including Basic 100, Light, Pro, and Pro Unlimited models. This critical authentication flaw represents a significant security weakness that undermines the fundamental security posture of these industrial monitoring systems. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of access controls within the web-based administrative interface, specifically targeting the "post-admin" login pages that should normally require authentication but instead allow unauthenticated access to sensitive administrative functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication mechanisms within software systems. The flaw exists in the web application layer where the authentication check for administrative functions is either absent, bypassable, or improperly implemented. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to administrative interfaces without providing valid credentials, creating a pathway for both information disclosure and data modification attacks. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack surfaces within the administrative interface may be compromised, potentially including configuration changes, data manipulation, and credential theft.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations relying on Meteocontrol WEB'log devices for industrial monitoring and control. The remote attack surface means that threat actors can exploit this weakness from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the device or network. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential system compromise, data integrity violations, and operational disruption. Organizations using these devices for critical infrastructure monitoring could face significant consequences including unauthorized system modifications, data tampering, and potential safety hazards if the compromised systems control industrial processes.
The attack surface for this vulnerability conforms to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. The lack of authentication requirements creates a persistent backdoor that attackers can leverage for extended periods without detection. Network security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems may not effectively prevent exploitation since the vulnerability exists within the legitimate web interface itself. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation, access control restrictions, and disabling unnecessary web services. The recommended remediation involves patching the affected devices with vendor-provided security updates or implementing network-level controls to restrict access to administrative interfaces to trusted networks only. Regular security assessments should verify that authentication mechanisms are properly enforced and that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the device's web interface components.