CVE-2017-14004 in GEMNet License Server
Summary
by MITRE
GE GEMNet License server (EchoServer) all current versions are affected these devices use default or hard-coded credentials. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to bypass authentication and gain access to the affected devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The GE GEMNet License server running EchoServer software represents a critical security weakness in industrial control systems where default and hard-coded credentials create persistent authentication bypass opportunities. This vulnerability affects all current versions of the software and demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices that has been documented in numerous industrial security assessments. The presence of default credentials in networked industrial devices aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in security-critical applications. These default credentials often remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle, creating a persistent attack surface that adversaries can exploit without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the implementation of authentication mechanisms that rely on hardcoded user accounts with predictable passwords, typically set during initial device provisioning. When devices are deployed in industrial environments such as manufacturing facilities, power plants, or critical infrastructure systems, these default credentials often persist unmodified, creating a trivial entry point for malicious actors. The EchoServer component specifically handles licensing and communication functions within the GE GEMNet ecosystem, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise industrial control systems. This authentication bypass capability allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the license server, potentially enabling them to manipulate licensing configurations, access sensitive operational data, or establish persistent access points within industrial networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates opportunities for broader system compromise and potential disruption of critical industrial processes. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can leverage the compromised license server as a foothold for lateral movement within industrial networks, potentially accessing other connected systems and control devices. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials usage for persistence and privilege escalation. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial control systems are interconnected, as the compromised license server may provide access to licensing information that could be used to manipulate system functionality or access restricted operational parameters. Organizations deploying these systems in critical infrastructure environments face increased risk of operational disruption, data compromise, and potential safety hazards if industrial processes are manipulated through unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of credential management policies and system hardening procedures. Organizations should immediately change all default and hard-coded credentials to strong, unique passwords and implement regular credential rotation schedules. The deployment of network segmentation and access control measures can limit the potential impact of credential compromise by restricting lateral movement within industrial networks. Security monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on unusual authentication patterns or unauthorized access attempts to license servers and other critical industrial components. Additionally, implementing secure configuration management practices and conducting regular vulnerability assessments can help identify and remediate similar credential-related weaknesses in industrial control systems. The remediation process should include comprehensive inventory management to identify all instances of affected software and ensure proper credential updates across all deployment environments.