CVE-2016-5069 in GX 440
Summary
by MITRE
Sierra Wireless GX 440 devices with ALEOS firmware 4.3.2 use guessable session tokens, which are in the URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5069 affects Sierra Wireless GX 440 devices running ALEOS firmware version 4.3.2, presenting a significant security risk through the use of predictable session tokens embedded within URL parameters. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the authentication mechanism of these industrial communication devices, which are commonly deployed in remote monitoring and control applications. The devices in question are typically used in critical infrastructure environments where secure remote access is essential for system management and maintenance operations.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of session management within the web interface of these devices, where session identifiers are generated using predictable algorithms or insufficient randomness. When session tokens appear in URLs, they become exposed to various attack vectors including network sniffing, log file exposure, and referral header manipulation. The guessability of these tokens means that an attacker who intercepts a single valid session URL can potentially reuse that session identifier to gain unauthorized access to the device administration interface without requiring valid credentials. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of session management and authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as these devices often control critical network infrastructure components including cellular modems, remote monitoring systems, and industrial communication endpoints. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can perform administrative actions such as modifying device configurations, accessing sensitive operational data, or even disrupting communication services. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where these devices are deployed without additional network segmentation or security controls, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate firmware updates from Sierra Wireless addressing the session token generation weakness, implementation of network-level protections such as secure web proxies, and mandatory use of HTTPS encryption for all device communications. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical internal systems and establish robust monitoring for suspicious session activity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-384, which addresses session management flaws, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage predictable session tokens to obtain unauthorized access to legitimate administrative accounts. The incident highlights the importance of proper session token generation and the need for robust authentication mechanisms in industrial IoT devices and network infrastructure equipment.