CVE-2017-5136 in Entera
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on SendQuick Entera and Avera devices before 2HF16. The application failed to check the access control of the request which could result in an attacker being able to shutdown the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5136 affects SendQuick Entera and Avera devices operating on firmware versions prior to 2HF16, representing a critical access control flaw that compromises system integrity and availability. This weakness resides in the application layer where proper authentication and authorization mechanisms fail to validate incoming requests, creating a pathway for unauthorized actors to execute privileged operations. The flaw specifically impacts devices that handle system shutdown commands, which are typically restricted to authorized personnel or system processes. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability maps directly to inadequate access control implementations where the system does not properly verify the identity and privileges of requesting entities before executing sensitive operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request that bypasses normal access control checks, allowing them to trigger system shutdown functionality without proper authorization. This represents a severe privilege escalation scenario where the device's security model fails to enforce proper access controls, enabling arbitrary system manipulation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it allows for complete system disruption through shutdown commands, potentially causing service interruptions, data loss, or denial of service conditions that could affect critical operations. The flaw essentially removes the security boundary that should protect system-level functions from unauthorized access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these devices control essential infrastructure or security systems.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on these devices for network management, security monitoring, or industrial control systems. The ability to remotely shutdown systems without proper authentication creates opportunities for both accidental and malicious disruptions that could compromise business continuity and operational security. Attackers could exploit this weakness to cause temporary or permanent service outages, potentially disrupting critical infrastructure or security operations. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple device models indicates a systemic flaw in the firmware implementation that affects a substantial user base. Organizations utilizing these devices face potential regulatory compliance issues, particularly in sectors governed by standards such as nist 800-53 or iso 27001, where proper access controls and system integrity are mandatory requirements.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to version 2HF16 or later, which presumably addresses the access control validation issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized shutdown attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in embedded systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through improper access controls. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their embedded device inventory to identify similar access control weaknesses and establish robust patch management processes to prevent exploitation of such critical flaws. Regular security audits and penetration testing of industrial control systems are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by threat actors.