CVE-2017-16714 in Thermal Management Center
Summary
by MITRE
In Ice Qube Thermal Management Center versions prior to version 4.13, passwords are stored in plaintext in a file that is accessible without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16714 affects Ice Qube Thermal Management Center software versions earlier than 4.13, representing a critical security flaw in how the application handles credential storage. This issue resides within the software's configuration and authentication mechanisms, specifically targeting the storage of user passwords in an unencrypted format. The flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive authentication data through simple file system enumeration and read operations, bypassing all normal authentication procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in credential management, where sensitive information is stored without adequate protection measures, making it immediately accessible to any user with file system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper password encryption or hashing mechanisms during the storage process. Passwords are written directly to configuration files in plaintext format, which means that any individual with access to the system's file system can read these credentials without requiring authentication. This design flaw directly violates established security principles and standards such as those outlined in CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage of credentials. The vulnerability exists at the data persistence layer where user authentication information should be protected using industry-standard encryption algorithms and access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the thermal management system. Attackers who gain file system access can immediately compromise all user accounts, potentially leading to unauthorized system modifications, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information while potentially enabling unauthorized modifications to system configurations. This weakness creates a persistent security risk that remains active until the affected software is updated or the vulnerable configuration files are manually secured.
Organizations utilizing Ice Qube Thermal Management Center software must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to version 4.13 or later, which includes proper password encryption mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough file system audits to identify and secure any existing plaintext credential files, implementing access controls and discretionary access controls to limit file system access. Security measures should include regular vulnerability assessments, file system monitoring, and implementation of principle of least privilege access controls. The remediation process should also involve educating system administrators about secure credential storage practices and implementing automated monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized file access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices as outlined in NIST SP 800-63B for secure authentication and credential management, ensuring that sensitive data is never stored in plaintext form within accessible system files.