CVE-2017-17691 in CL Studio fur HomeMatic
Summary
by MITRE
Homeputer CL Studio fur HomeMatic 4.0 Rel 160808 and earlier uses cleartext to exchange the username and password between server and client instances, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a man in the middle attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17691 affects Homeputer CL Studio for HomeMatic version 4.0 Release 160808 and earlier implementations. This represents a critical security flaw in the communication protocol between server and client instances within the HomeMatic home automation system. The flaw manifests through the use of cleartext transmission for authentication credentials, creating an exploitable weakness that undermines the fundamental security posture of the entire system. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak credential transmission and insecure communication practices that are commonly exploited in modern cyber attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of encryption during the authentication phase of the HomeMatic system. When users attempt to establish connections between client applications and server instances, the username and password credentials are transmitted in plain text format over the network. This cleartext transmission method violates established security best practices and creates an ideal environment for man-in-the-middle attacks. Network traffic interception tools can easily capture these unencrypted credentials, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the home automation system. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information) according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses weaknesses related to sensitive data exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete control over the home automation infrastructure. Once credentials are obtained through network interception, malicious actors can manipulate all connected devices, alter system configurations, and potentially gain access to sensitive home environment data. This vulnerability particularly affects residential and commercial smart home environments where HomeMatic systems are deployed for security automation, lighting control, temperature management, and other critical functions. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that these systems often operate on local networks that may not be adequately protected, making them prime targets for credential harvesting attacks. According to ATT&CK framework category T1046 (Network Service Scanning) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), this vulnerability enables adversaries to move laterally within networks and establish persistent access to home automation systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17691 require immediate implementation of secure communication protocols within the HomeMatic ecosystem. Organizations should implement encrypted communication channels using TLS/SSL protocols for all server-client interactions, ensuring that authentication credentials are never transmitted in cleartext format. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to HomeMatic systems only to authorized devices and users. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems. The implementation of network monitoring tools can help detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate credential interception attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider upgrading to newer versions of Homeputer CL Studio that incorporate proper encryption mechanisms. According to NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those related to secure communication and access control, these measures provide comprehensive protection against the exploitation of cleartext credential transmission vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure software development practices and the need for thorough security testing of communication protocols before deployment in production environments.