CVE-2017-14728 in SiteOmat
Summary
by MITRE
An authentication bypass was found in an unknown area of the SiteOmat source code. All SiteOmat BOS versions are affected, prior to the submission of this exploit. Also, the SiteOmat does not force administrators to switch passwords, leaving SSH and HTTP remote authentication open to public.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14728 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the SiteOmat BOS software ecosystem, specifically affecting all versions prior to the exploitation timeline. This issue resides within an undisclosed section of the source code, indicating a potential design flaw or implementation error that allows unauthorized access to the system's administrative functions. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication scenarios, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on SiteOmat for their operational systems. The lack of specific code location details suggests either an obscure implementation weakness or an intentionally obscured vulnerability that could stem from inadequate input validation or session management mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to bypass the standard authentication procedures that should normally restrict access to administrative functions within the SiteOmat BOS platform. This authentication bypass occurs at a fundamental level within the software architecture, potentially allowing malicious actors to gain unauthorized administrative privileges without proper credentials. The flaw's nature suggests that the system's access control mechanisms may be improperly configured or implemented, creating a backdoor that circumvents the normal authentication flow. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, as unauthorized users could potentially modify critical configurations, access sensitive data, or disrupt operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14728 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates persistent security weaknesses that can be leveraged for extended periods. Organizations using SiteOmat BOS versions prior to the exploit submission face significant risks including potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized modifications to operational parameters. The vulnerability's persistence is exacerbated by the additional security flaw that prevents the enforcement of password changes for administrators, creating a permanent exposure window where SSH and HTTP remote authentication mechanisms remain vulnerable to public access. This combination of issues creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can maintain access without detection while potentially escalating privileges through multiple attack vectors.
The absence of mandatory password change enforcement represents a critical design flaw that compounds the authentication bypass vulnerability significantly. This weakness aligns with CWE-326, which addresses inadequate security controls, and creates a persistent threat vector that allows attackers to maintain long-term access to administrative functions. The lack of password rotation requirements means that even if temporary security measures are implemented, the underlying vulnerability remains exploitable indefinitely. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects all versions prior to the exploit disclosure, indicating that organizations may have been exposed to this risk for extended periods without awareness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14728 should prioritize immediate implementation of security patches or updates from SiteOmat, if available, to address the authentication bypass mechanism. Organizations must also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of affected systems, particularly those running SSH and HTTP services. The enforcement of mandatory password changes for all administrative accounts should be implemented immediately, along with monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and suspicious authentication patterns. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected SiteOmat BOS versions and implement additional controls such as multi-factor authentication, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication design and enforcement mechanisms, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics, particularly those involving bypassing security controls and legitimate credentials exploitation.