CVE-2016-4510 in VTScada
Summary
by MITRE
The WAP interface in Trihedral VTScada (formerly VTS) 8.x through 11.x before 11.2.02 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4510 affects the Wireless Application Protocol WAP interface within Trihedral VTScada software versions 8.x through 11.x prior to 11.2.02. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the authentication mechanisms protecting industrial control systems. The affected software, formerly known as VTS, is widely deployed in operational technology environments where security is paramount for maintaining operational continuity and protecting critical infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the WAP interface component which serves as a communication gateway for remote access to the supervisory control and data acquisition system.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the authentication bypass mechanism within the WAP interface layer. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to circumvent the normal authentication process and gain unauthorized access to the system. This allows remote adversaries to read arbitrary files from the affected system, potentially exposing sensitive operational data, configuration files, and system information. The vulnerability demonstrates a weakness in the access control implementation where proper authentication checks are either missing or inadequately enforced. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically focusing on the bypass of authentication mechanisms that should protect system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain deeper system access. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information that may include system configurations, user credentials, and operational parameters that could be used for further exploitation. The WAP interface serves as a potential entry point for attackers seeking to compromise industrial control systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly implemented. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through various attack vectors.
Organizations utilizing affected VTScada versions should prioritize immediate remediation through the available patch releases. The vendor has addressed this vulnerability in version 11.2.02 and subsequent releases, making it essential for users to upgrade their systems promptly. Additionally, network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit exposure of the WAP interface to trusted networks only, and proper access controls should be enforced through firewall rules and network access control lists. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns and unauthorized system interactions that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in industrial control systems where the stakes of compromise are particularly high.