CVE-2017-20025 in Solar-Log
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2022
A vulnerability was found in Solare Solar-Log 2.8.4-56/3.5.2-85. It has been declared as critical. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the component Flash Memory. The manipulation leads to privilege escalation. The attack can be launched remotely. Upgrading to version 3.5.3-86 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20025 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Solare Solar-Log monitoring system version 2.8.4-56 and 3.5.2-85. This issue specifically targets the flash memory component functionality, which serves as a critical storage mechanism for system configurations and operational data within solar energy monitoring devices. The affected Solar-Log systems are widely deployed in solar energy installations where they monitor and manage energy production data, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to industrial control systems. The vulnerability's classification as critical stems from its potential to allow unauthorized users to elevate their privileges within the system, potentially gaining administrative access to sensitive monitoring and control functions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the flash memory component, which typically stores firmware, configuration parameters, and operational settings. Attackers can remotely exploit this flaw to bypass authentication mechanisms and escalate their privileges, effectively gaining unauthorized administrative access to the Solar-Log device. This remote attack vector significantly increases the threat surface, as attackers do not require physical access to the device to exploit the vulnerability. The flash memory component's role in storing system integrity information makes this particular weakness especially dangerous, as it can potentially allow attackers to modify system firmware or configuration data that governs how the solar monitoring system operates.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of solar energy monitoring data. Solar-Log systems are critical for tracking energy production, identifying system faults, and maintaining operational efficiency for solar installations. If exploited, this vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate energy production data, disable monitoring functions, or gain persistent access to industrial control systems that manage solar panel arrays and energy storage systems. The implications are particularly severe in large-scale solar installations where multiple Solar-Log devices are deployed across extensive facilities, as a single compromised device could provide a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-269, which addresses privilege escalation issues in software systems, and potentially with CWE-778, concerning insufficient logging of security-relevant events. The attack pattern follows methodologies described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques, particularly focusing on the use of software vulnerabilities to gain higher-level system access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to the patched version 3.5.3-86, which contains the necessary security fixes to address the flash memory component manipulation. Additionally, network segmentation, firewall rules, and monitoring of unusual access patterns should be implemented to reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing industrial control systems and emphasizes the need for regular security updates in energy monitoring infrastructure to prevent potential compromise of critical energy infrastructure components.