CVE-2017-16748 in Niagara AX
Summary
by MITRE
An attacker can log into the local Niagara platform (Niagara AX Framework Versions 3.8 and prior or Niagara 4 Framework Versions 4.4 and prior) using a disabled account name and a blank password, granting the attacker administrator access to the Niagara system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16748 represents a critical authentication flaw within the Niagara AX and Niagara 4 framework versions that affected organizations relying on these industrial automation platforms. This issue stems from a fundamental design weakness in the authentication mechanism that allows unauthorized access through a specific attack vector involving disabled user accounts. The vulnerability exists in versions 3.8 and prior of Niagara AX framework and versions 4.4 and prior of Niagara 4 framework, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple generations of this industrial control system software.
The technical flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that bypasses normal authentication procedures by exploiting the handling of disabled accounts within the system's authentication logic. When an attacker attempts to log in using a disabled account name combined with a blank password, the system incorrectly grants administrative privileges rather than properly rejecting the authentication attempt. This behavior violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic case of improper input validation and authentication flow control. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication scenarios and demonstrates how weak account management can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations utilizing Niagara platforms, as it provides attackers with full administrative access to critical industrial control systems. Once authenticated, an attacker can manipulate system configurations, modify access controls, view sensitive operational data, and potentially disrupt industrial processes. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential safety risks in industrial environments where these systems control critical infrastructure operations. This vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that bypasses normal security controls, allowing attackers to gain the highest level of system privileges without proper authorization.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Niagara framework, disabling unused accounts, and implementing additional authentication controls. The recommended approach involves applying vendor security patches as soon as they become available, which typically address the core authentication logic flaw. Additional defensive measures include implementing account lockout policies, monitoring authentication logs for suspicious activity, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts as a means of gaining access to systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit lateral movement and reduce the potential impact of such authentication bypasses within their industrial environments.