CVE-2017-5166 in Universal Multifunctional Electric Power Quality Meter
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in BINOM3 Universal Multifunctional Electric Power Quality Meter. An INFORMATION EXPOSURE flaw can be used to gain privileged access to the device.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5166 resides within the BINOM3 Universal Multifunctional Electric Power Quality Meter, a device designed for monitoring and managing electrical power systems in industrial and commercial environments. This particular device represents a critical component in power infrastructure management, handling sensitive operational data and potentially controlling critical power distribution systems. The information exposure flaw constitutes a significant security weakness that directly impacts the device's ability to maintain proper access controls and data confidentiality. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's authentication and authorization mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized entities to escalate their privileges and gain elevated access to the system's operational functions.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves inadequate handling of sensitive information within the device's firmware or software architecture. The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit information exposure mechanisms that should normally be protected from unauthorized access, potentially revealing authentication credentials, system configuration details, or operational parameters that would otherwise remain confidential. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of Information Exposure, which specifically addresses weaknesses where information that should be restricted or protected becomes accessible to unauthorized parties. The flaw likely manifests through improper error handling, insufficient input validation, or inadequate access control checks within the device's communication protocols or administrative interfaces. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain privileged access to the device's administrative functions, potentially enabling them to modify system configurations, access sensitive operational data, or manipulate power quality measurements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of the power quality monitoring system. When an attacker gains privileged access to the device, they can potentially manipulate the device's operational parameters, compromise the integrity of power quality measurements, or even disrupt power distribution systems that rely on accurate monitoring data. This vulnerability creates a significant risk for industrial control systems and critical infrastructure environments where power quality meters serve as essential monitoring points for system health and operational efficiency. The device's role in power infrastructure management means that unauthorized access could lead to cascading effects on power distribution networks, potentially causing operational disruptions or security breaches that extend beyond the individual device. The vulnerability also presents a potential entry point for attackers to pivot to other connected systems within the power infrastructure network, as the compromised device may serve as a gateway to broader network operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5166 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from the vendor, if available, and implementation of network segmentation to isolate the affected devices from critical network segments. Security controls should include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and establishing robust monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their power infrastructure systems to identify similar vulnerabilities in other devices and implement proper network access controls to prevent lateral movement. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure device management practices and adherence to cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems, which emphasize the need for proper access controls and information protection in critical infrastructure environments. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns or unauthorized configuration changes can help identify exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential security breaches.