CVE-2016-2308 in Aspect-Nexus Building Automation Front-End
Summary
by MITRE
American Auto-Matrix Aspect-Nexus Building Automation Front-End Solutions application before 3.0.0 and Aspect-Matrix Building Automation Front-End Solutions application store passwords in cleartext, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2308 affects American Auto-Matrix Aspect-Nexus and Aspect-Matrix Building Automation Front-End Solutions applications prior to version 3.0.0. This represents a critical security flaw in how the software handles authentication credentials, specifically in the storage mechanism for user passwords. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive data, instead storing passwords in plain text format within configuration files or database entries. This design flaw directly violates established security principles and creates an exploitable condition that significantly compromises system integrity and confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's configuration files or data storage mechanisms that persist user authentication credentials without any form of encryption or hashing. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply accessing the file system or storage locations where these credentials are stored, eliminating the need for complex attack vectors or exploitation techniques. The cleartext storage approach creates a direct pathway for unauthorized parties to obtain valid login credentials, enabling them to gain unauthorized access to building automation systems. This flaw falls under the category of weak cryptographic storage as defined by CWE-310 and represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential full system compromise of building automation environments. Building automation systems control critical infrastructure including access control, environmental monitoring, lighting, and security systems, making them attractive targets for attackers. When attackers obtain cleartext passwords, they can gain persistent access to these systems and potentially manipulate or disrupt building operations. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the affected applications are updated or patched, as the stored credentials remain accessible to any entity with file system access. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials in files and demonstrates how insecure storage practices can lead to broader compromise within operational technology environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2308 require immediate implementation of proper password storage mechanisms including the use of strong cryptographic hashing algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 with appropriate salt values. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected versions are upgraded to 3.0.0 or later releases that address this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify and remediate any other instances of cleartext credential storage within the building automation infrastructure. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit file system access to only authorized personnel, while regular monitoring should be established to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files. The remediation process should also include credential rotation for all affected systems to ensure that any previously compromised credentials are no longer valid.