CVE-2016-9358 in Food Processing Systems M3000
Summary
by MITRE
A Hard-Coded Passwords issue was discovered in Marel Food Processing Systems M3000 terminal associated with the following systems: A320, A325, A371, A520 Master, A520 Slave, A530, A542, A571, Check Bin Grader, FlowlineQC T376, IPM3 Dual Cam v132, IPM3 Dual Cam v139, IPM3 Single Cam v132, P520, P574, SensorX13 QC flow line, SensorX23 QC Master, SensorX23 QC Slave, Speed Batcher, T374, T377, V36, V36B, and V36C; M3210 terminal associated with the same systems as the M3000 terminal identified above; M3000 desktop software associated with the same systems as the M3000 terminal identified above; MAC4 controller associated with the same systems as the M3000 terminal identified above; SensorX23 X-ray machine; SensorX25 X-ray machine; and MWS2 weighing system. The end user does not have the ability to change system passwords.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-9358 represents a critical hard-coded password issue affecting multiple industrial control systems manufactured by Marel Food Processing Systems. This flaw exists within the M3000 terminal and related components including various master-slave configurations, sensor systems, and weighing equipment. The vulnerability stems from the inclusion of static, pre-configured passwords within the system firmware and software implementations, which cannot be modified by end users or system administrators. This design flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of these industrial environments where food processing equipment operates in critical production workflows. The affected systems span across multiple product lines including A320, A325, A371, A520 Master/Slave, A530, A542, A571, and various sensor and weighing systems, indicating a widespread implementation of this security weakness across the product portfolio.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded passwords or credentials in software implementations. The technical flaw manifests as embedded authentication credentials that remain unchanged throughout the system lifecycle, creating persistent access points for unauthorized parties. The inability for end users to modify these passwords creates a situation where the default authentication mechanisms become the sole security barrier protecting these industrial systems. The hard-coded nature of these credentials means that if any individual with knowledge of these passwords gains access to system documentation, network configurations, or physical access to the equipment, they can maintain persistent unauthorized access. This is particularly concerning in food processing environments where these systems control critical production processes, quality assurance measures, and safety protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential production disruptions, data integrity compromises, and safety violations. Industrial control systems in food processing facilities are often connected to critical production workflows where unauthorized modifications can lead to contamination risks, product recalls, or production shutdowns. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability could potentially manipulate production parameters, alter quality control settings, or disrupt the entire processing workflow. The multi-system nature of the vulnerability means that a successful exploitation in one component could potentially provide access to interconnected systems, creating cascading security failures. Furthermore, the lack of password modification capability means that even if a system is compromised, there is no mechanism for users to remediate the issue through standard password rotation procedures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these systems from general corporate networks, deploy network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts, and establish strict physical access controls for equipment locations. The most effective immediate solution involves replacing affected systems with versions containing configurable authentication mechanisms or implementing temporary workarounds such as network-level access controls that restrict system access to authorized IP addresses. Security teams should also consider implementing regular vulnerability assessments targeting industrial control systems, establishing incident response procedures specific to industrial environments, and ensuring that all personnel understand the critical nature of these systems. Additionally, organizations should engage with Marel to obtain firmware updates or patches where available, though the nature of hard-coded credentials suggests that complete remediation may require hardware replacement or system redesign. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure development practices and adheres to standards such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security, which emphasizes the need for proper authentication management and access control implementation in critical infrastructure environments.