CVE-2016-9368 in xComfort Ethernet Communication Interface
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Eaton xComfort Ethernet Communication Interface (ECI) Versions 1.07 and prior. By accessing a specific uniform resource locator (URL) on the webserver, a malicious user may be able to access files without authenticating.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9368 affects Eaton xComfort Ethernet Communication Interface (ECI) devices running firmware versions 1.07 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in industrial network infrastructure. This weakness stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's embedded web server implementation, which fails to properly validate user credentials before granting access to sensitive system resources. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to exploit a specific URL endpoint that provides access to system files, potentially exposing configuration data, network credentials, and other confidential information. The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation and access control enforcement within the web interface, creating a path for privilege escalation attacks that bypass the intended security boundaries of the device.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which describes improper authorization conditions in software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-352, concerning cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities that can be exploited to perform unauthorized actions. The flaw operates through a predictable URL structure that, when accessed without proper authentication, reveals directory listings and file contents that should remain protected within the device's file system. This represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege, where the web server fails to enforce proper access controls and authentication checks before serving sensitive content. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely, requiring no local access or specialized equipment, making it particularly dangerous in industrial environments where such devices may be exposed to external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for further exploitation within industrial control systems. An attacker who successfully accesses unauthenticated files could potentially extract network configuration details, device identifiers, or other sensitive information that could be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the broader industrial network. The exposure of system files may reveal implementation details that could aid in developing additional attack vectors or in crafting targeted malware for the specific device platform. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial security is paramount, as it undermines the security boundaries that separate operational technology from corporate networks, creating potential entry points for attackers seeking to compromise critical infrastructure systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to versions that address the authentication bypass vulnerability, network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical systems, and monitoring for suspicious access attempts to the affected URL endpoints. The implementation of network access controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all Eaton xComfort ECI devices within their environments to identify and remediate similar issues. According to ATT&CK framework tactic T1190, this vulnerability could be exploited as a means of initial access, while T1071.001 and T1071.004 indicate potential for lateral movement once initial access is achieved. Regular security audits and network monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts and ensure that proper authentication mechanisms are in place across all industrial network components.