CVE-2016-8722 in AWK-3131A
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable Information Disclosure vulnerability exists in the Web Application functionality of Moxa AWK-3131A Series Industrial IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless AP/bridge/client. Retrieving a specific URL without authentication can reveal sensitive information to an attacker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The CVE-2016-8722 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Moxa AWK-3131A Series industrial wireless access point devices. This vulnerability specifically affects the web application interface of these industrial networking devices, which are designed for harsh environments and critical infrastructure deployments. The affected models operate as IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n wireless AP/bridge/client devices, making them essential components in industrial IoT and SCADA systems where security is paramount. These devices are commonly deployed in manufacturing facilities, energy grids, and other critical infrastructure environments where unauthorized access could lead to significant operational disruptions or security breaches.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the web application interface of the Moxa AWK-3131A Series devices. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply accessing a specific URL path without requiring any valid credentials or authentication tokens. This represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and authentication enforcement that should be inherent in all networked devices, particularly industrial control systems. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a classic case of improper access control where sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties. The lack of proper authentication checks allows any remote attacker to gain access to potentially sensitive configuration data, system information, or operational parameters that should remain protected within industrial control environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of industrial networks where these devices are deployed. In critical infrastructure environments, unauthorized access to device information could enable attackers to map network topologies, identify connected systems, and potentially plan more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects industrial wireless infrastructure that often operates in environments where network segmentation and access controls are already compromised, making the additional exposure from this vulnerability particularly dangerous. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1082 "System Information Discovery" and T1566 "Phishing for Information" where the initial reconnaissance phase can be significantly expedited through automated information gathering from unauthenticated web interfaces. The exposure of sensitive information could include device configuration details, network settings, firmware versions, and potentially operational data that could be leveraged for further attacks.
Organizations deploying Moxa AWK-3131A Series devices should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided firmware updates or patches that address the authentication bypass issue. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from critical systems, and access controls should be enforced at multiple layers of the network infrastructure. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in industrial network equipment, as these devices often lack the security features found in commercial networking equipment. The vulnerability highlights the broader challenge of securing industrial IoT devices where security updates may be infrequent or unavailable, making proactive network monitoring and access control measures essential for protecting critical infrastructure assets.