CVE-2016-8716 in AWK-3131A
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable Cleartext Transmission of Password vulnerability exists in the Web Application functionality of Moxa AWK-3131A Wireless Access Point running firmware 1.1. The Change Password functionality of the Web Application transmits the password in cleartext. An attacker capable of intercepting this traffic is able to obtain valid credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The CVE-2016-8716 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Moxa AWK-3131A Wireless Access Point devices running firmware version 1.1. This vulnerability resides within the web application functionality of the device and specifically affects the password change mechanism. The flaw constitutes a clear violation of fundamental security principles governing credential transmission in networked environments. The vulnerability enables attackers to intercept network traffic and extract sensitive authentication information through cleartext transmission methods. This represents a significant risk to organizations relying on these devices for network access control and wireless connectivity management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's failure to employ encrypted transmission protocols when handling password change requests through its web interface. When users attempt to modify their passwords via the web application, the system transmits credentials in plain text format over the network without any form of encryption or tokenization. This cleartext transmission creates an exploitable condition that aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the device, making it particularly dangerous for environments where network traffic interception is possible.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for network infrastructure. An attacker capable of performing man-in-the-middle attacks or packet sniffing operations can easily capture the cleartext passwords during transmission, gaining unauthorized access to the device's administrative functions. This compromise allows for complete control over the wireless access point, potentially enabling attackers to modify network configurations, establish backdoors, or use the device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through network sniffing.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate critical devices, deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and enforcement of secure remote access protocols such as SSH or HTTPS for device management. The most effective long-term solution involves firmware updates from Moxa to address the cleartext transmission issue and implement proper encryption for all credential-related communications. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network access controls, regular security audits, and employee training on secure remote administration practices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following NIST SP 800-53 security controls for secure configuration management and access control. Organizations must also consider the broader implications of unencrypted credential transmission and ensure that all network devices implement proper encryption protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in their infrastructure.