CVE-2016-8378 in JENEsys BAS Bridge
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Lynxspring JENEsys BAS Bridge versions 1.1.8 and older. The application's database lacks sufficient safeguards for protecting credentials.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8378 affects Lynxspring JENEsys BAS Bridge versions 1.1.8 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in industrial control systems infrastructure. This issue resides within the application's database implementation where insufficient protective measures are in place to safeguard sensitive authentication credentials. The affected system serves as a bridge between industrial environments and broader network infrastructures, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to critical operational technology environments.
The technical flaw manifests as inadequate credential protection mechanisms within the database layer of the JENEsys BAS Bridge application. This weakness allows potential attackers to extract authentication information through various exploitation vectors that may include direct database access, injection attacks, or other methods that bypass proper authentication controls. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and fails to implement proper credential storage security measures that are fundamental to protecting industrial control system environments. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in credential storage and authentication mechanisms, specifically falling under CWE-522 which addresses insufficiently protected credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that manage critical infrastructure operations. The JENEsys BAS Bridge acts as a gateway between different network segments, and compromised credentials could provide attackers with persistent access to operational technology environments. This access could facilitate lateral movement throughout the industrial network, potentially leading to disruption of critical processes, data manipulation, or even physical safety hazards in environments where these systems control industrial processes. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access in enterprise environments.
Organizations utilizing Lynxspring JENEsys BAS Bridge versions 1.1.8 or earlier should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the software, implementing proper database encryption for credential storage, and establishing network segmentation controls to limit access to the affected systems. Additional protective measures should include regular credential rotation, implementation of multi-factor authentication where possible, and comprehensive monitoring of database access patterns for suspicious activities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper credential management in industrial control systems and underscores the need for robust security controls in operational technology environments that often lack the sophisticated protections found in traditional enterprise systems.