CVE-2016-4527 in PCM600
Summary
by MITRE
ABB PCM600 before 2.7 improperly stores PCM600 authentication credentials, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information via unspecified vectors.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2019
The CVE-2016-4527 vulnerability affects ABB PCM600 industrial control systems running firmware versions prior to 2.7, presenting a critical security weakness in credential storage mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the authentication subsystem of the PCM600 device, which is commonly deployed in industrial environments for power management and monitoring applications. The improper storage of authentication credentials represents a fundamental flaw in the system's security architecture, creating persistent access risks for local attackers who may exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational data.
The technical flaw manifests in the inadequate protection mechanisms employed by the PCM600 device when storing authentication credentials. Rather than implementing secure cryptographic storage or encryption techniques, the system appears to store sensitive information in plaintext or using weak obfuscation methods that can be readily accessed by local users with minimal technical expertise. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of weak credential storage as defined by CWE-522, which specifically addresses insufficient protection of authentication credentials within software systems. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack surfaces may be exploitable, potentially including direct file system access, process memory inspection, or other local privilege escalation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of industrial control systems that rely on the PCM600 for critical power management functions. Local users with access to the device can potentially obtain sensitive information including administrative credentials, operational parameters, and system configuration data that could enable further attacks or system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various means, and represents a significant risk in industrial environments where physical access controls may be less stringent than in traditional enterprise settings. The implications are particularly severe in critical infrastructure contexts where unauthorized access to power management systems could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even security breaches that affect broader network operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4527 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to version 2.7 or later, which presumably address the credential storage weakness through proper encryption or secure storage mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit local access to the PCM600 devices, while regular security audits should verify that authentication credentials are properly protected. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and credential access patterns that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation process must consider the operational impact on industrial systems, ensuring that firmware updates do not disrupt critical power management functions while providing the necessary security improvements to protect against credential theft and unauthorized access attempts.