CVE-2016-8370 in MELSEC-Q
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Mitsubishi Electric Automation MELSEC-Q series Ethernet interface modules QJ71E71-100, all versions, QJ71E71-B5, all versions, and QJ71E71-B2, all versions. Weakly encrypted passwords are transmitted to a MELSEC-Q PLC.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8370 affects Mitsubishi Electric Automation's MELSEC-Q series Ethernet interface modules including models QJ71E71-100, QJ71E71-B5, and QJ71E71-B2 across all versions. This security flaw resides in the communication protocols used by these industrial control modules to transmit authentication credentials to MELSEC-Q programmable logic controllers. The weakness specifically manifests in the encryption mechanisms employed during password transmission, creating a significant exposure in industrial automation environments where network security is paramount.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of weak encryption algorithms or improperly configured cryptographic protocols within the Ethernet interface modules. When these modules establish communication with the target PLC systems, they transmit user authentication credentials using encryption methods that can be easily compromised through cryptographic analysis or brute force attacks. This weakness allows unauthorized parties to intercept and potentially decrypt the transmitted passwords, effectively bypassing the authentication mechanisms designed to protect industrial control systems. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic implementations as classified by CWE-327, specifically addressing the use of insufficiently strong encryption algorithms for credential transmission.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of industrial control systems that rely on these modules for network communication. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can gain unauthorized access to PLC systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data manipulation, or even physical safety hazards in critical infrastructure environments. The compromised authentication credentials could enable attackers to modify control logic, alter process parameters, or execute malicious commands within the industrial processes. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where MELSEC-Q systems are deployed for critical manufacturing processes, power generation, or other industrial applications where unauthorized access could result in significant financial losses or safety risks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected Ethernet interface modules from critical network zones, deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and implementation of additional authentication layers beyond the vulnerable password transmission mechanism. The use of secure communication protocols such as TLS/SSL for all network communications with PLC systems should be enforced, along with regular security assessments of industrial control system networks. System administrators should also consider implementing network access controls and firewall rules to limit communication paths between the vulnerable modules and other network segments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely attempt to identify and exploit such weak credential transmission mechanisms within industrial environments. The affected systems should undergo comprehensive security audits to identify any potential compromise and ensure that all network communications are properly secured against similar cryptographic weaknesses.