CVE-2017-5144 in VMU-C EM
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Carlo Gavazzi VMU-C EM prior to firmware Version A11_U05, and VMU-C PV prior to firmware Version A17. The access control flaw allows access to most application functions without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
The CVE-2017-5144 vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw affecting Carlo Gavazzi VMU-C EM and VMU-C PV industrial devices prior to specific firmware versions. This vulnerability resides within the authentication mechanisms of these embedded systems, which are commonly deployed in industrial environments for energy management and photovoltaic monitoring applications. The flaw fundamentally undermines the security posture of these devices by allowing unauthorized access to core application functions without proper authentication, creating a significant risk for industrial control systems and energy management infrastructure.
This vulnerability constitutes a classic authentication bypass issue that aligns with CWE-287, which specifically addresses improper authentication weaknesses in software systems. The flaw operates at the application layer where the device fails to properly validate user credentials before granting access to sensitive functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain administrative privileges and access to configuration settings, monitoring data, and control mechanisms without presenting valid authentication credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects industrial devices that are often deployed in critical infrastructure environments where unauthorized access could lead to operational disruptions or security breaches.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5144 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential compromise of industrial control systems and energy management networks. When attackers gain access to these devices, they can modify operational parameters, view sensitive monitoring data, and potentially disrupt energy generation and distribution processes. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1003 for credential access, as unauthorized parties can effectively assume legitimate user roles within these systems. The implications are particularly severe for environments where these devices are connected to larger industrial networks, as they can serve as entry points for lateral movement and broader network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected Carlo Gavazzi devices, specifically targeting firmware versions A11_U05 for VMU-C EM and A17 for VMU-C PV. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from critical infrastructure and establish robust monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current firmware versions and implementing proper access control policies for industrial embedded systems. Security teams should also consider conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of industrial control systems to identify similar authentication weaknesses that may exist in other networked devices. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems and establishing proper logging and audit trails can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence of security incidents.