CVE-2017-5146 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. Sensitive information is stored in clear-text.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5146 affects Carlo Gavazzi VMU-C EM and VMU-C PV industrial devices prior to specific firmware versions, representing a critical security flaw in embedded systems used for energy management and photovoltaic applications. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the device's firmware implementation, where confidential information is stored without adequate encryption or protection mechanisms. The affected devices operate in industrial environments where security is paramount for maintaining operational integrity and preventing unauthorized access to critical infrastructure data.
The technical flaw manifests as clear-text storage of sensitive information within the device's memory structures, which violates fundamental security principles for embedded systems. This vulnerability falls under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and data protection requirements. The cleartext storage can include configuration parameters, authentication credentials, operational settings, or other proprietary information that could be exploited by adversaries with physical access to the device or those capable of performing memory analysis attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors for adversaries seeking to compromise industrial control systems. Attackers with access to the device can extract sensitive information directly from memory dumps, potentially enabling them to gain deeper insights into system configurations, identify operational patterns, or extract credentials that could be used for lateral movement within industrial networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the acquisition of credentials through cleartext storage, and represents a significant risk in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient or where devices are deployed in unattended locations.
The implications for industrial environments are particularly concerning given that these devices typically operate in critical infrastructure settings where unauthorized access could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or financial losses. The vulnerability affects devices that may be deployed in remote locations or within secure perimeters where traditional network-based security controls may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation. Organizations utilizing these devices must consider the broader security implications of cleartext storage in embedded systems and implement appropriate mitigations to protect against potential exploitation.
Recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate firmware updates to the specified versions A11_U05 for VMU-C EM and A17 for VMU-C PV, which should address the cleartext storage issue through proper encryption or obfuscation mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices, deploy physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other embedded systems within their industrial control environments. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the firmware updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing operational procedures or system integrations.