CVE-2017-12129 in EDR-810
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable Weak Cryptography for Passwords vulnerability exists in the web server functionality of Moxa EDR-810 V4.1 build 17030317. An attacker could intercept weakly encrypted passwords and could brute force them.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12129 represents a critical weakness in the Moxa EDR-810 V4.1 web server implementation that directly impacts authentication security. This issue falls under the category of weak cryptography for passwords, a classification that aligns with CWE-326 which specifically addresses the use of weak encryption algorithms or protocols. The affected device operates with insufficient cryptographic strength when handling password transmissions, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to intercept and subsequently crack authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests in the web server's handling of password encryption during transmission and storage processes. The Moxa EDR-810 device employs inadequate cryptographic algorithms that fail to meet modern security standards for password protection. This weakness enables an attacker positioned within network reach to capture password data during transmission, typically through man-in-the-middle attacks or network sniffing operations. The implementation does not utilize strong hashing algorithms or proper encryption protocols, leaving credentials vulnerable to brute force attacks and dictionary attacks that can successfully decrypt intercepted password data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the device's security posture and can lead to complete system compromise. Once an attacker successfully cracks the intercepted passwords, they gain unauthorized access to the device's administrative interface, potentially enabling them to modify configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire network infrastructure managed by the device, particularly in industrial environments where such devices often serve as critical access points to operational technology systems.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate attention through firmware updates provided by Moxa, as the flaw exists in the device's core authentication implementation. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also deploying network monitoring solutions to detect potential interception attempts. The remediation process should include mandatory password policy enforcement with strong cryptographic hashing, ideally implementing bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 algorithms as specified in NIST guidelines for password storage. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication to reduce the impact of credential compromise. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of cryptographic implementation review and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-137 and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics, particularly those related to password cracking and credential dumping techniques.