CVE-2016-9334 in MicroLogix
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 controller 1763-L16AWA, Series A and B, Version 14.000 and prior versions; 1763-L16BBB, Series A and B, Version 14.000 and prior versions; 1763-L16BWA, Series A and B, Version 14.000 and prior versions; and 1763-L16DWD, Series A and B, Version 14.000 and prior versions. User credentials are sent to the web server in clear text, which may allow an attacker to discover the credentials if they are able to observe traffic between the web browser and the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9334 affects Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1100 controllers, specifically models 1763-L16AWA, 1763-L16BBB, 1763-L16BWA, and 1763-L16DWD across Series A and B with firmware versions 14.000 and earlier. This issue represents a critical security flaw in industrial control systems that undermines the confidentiality of authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from the controller's web interface implementation where user authentication information is transmitted without encryption, making it susceptible to interception during network communication.
This flaw constitutes a significant weakness in the security architecture of these industrial devices, as it violates fundamental principles of secure communication protocols. The transmission of credentials in clear text creates an environment where attackers can easily capture authentication data through passive network monitoring techniques. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which describes "Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information," a well-documented weakness that exposes sensitive data during transmission. The affected controllers operate within industrial environments where unauthorized access could lead to critical system compromise and operational disruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that manage critical manufacturing processes. When credentials are transmitted in clear text, network sniffing tools can easily capture authentication information, allowing adversaries to establish legitimate sessions with the controller. This creates a pathway for potential system manipulation, data tampering, and unauthorized operational control. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial settings where these controllers manage production lines, process control systems, and safety-critical operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate security measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general network traffic, employ network monitoring tools to detect suspicious credential transmission patterns, and establish secure remote access protocols such as VPN connections. The remediation process requires firmware updates to enable encrypted communication channels and proper authentication mechanisms. Additionally, implementing network access controls, regular security assessments, and staff training on industrial security best practices will help reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers "Application Layer Protocol: DNS," and T1566, which addresses "Phishing," as attackers may leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to industrial control systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify clear text credential transmission patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for secure communication protocols in industrial environments, as defined by standards such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443, which emphasize the importance of protecting industrial control system communications from unauthorized access and data interception.