CVE-2017-6039 in Broadband PowerAgent SC3 BMS
Summary
by MITRE
A Use of Hard-Coded Password issue was discovered in Phoenix Broadband PowerAgent SC3 BMS, all versions prior to v6.87. Use of a hard-coded password may allow unauthorized access to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6039 represents a critical security flaw in Phoenix Broadband PowerAgent SC3 BMS devices running software versions prior to v6.87. This issue falls under the category of hardcoded credentials, a well-documented weakness that has been consistently flagged across numerous industrial control systems and network appliances. The PowerAgent SC3 BMS is designed for monitoring and managing power distribution systems in commercial and industrial environments, making it a potentially attractive target for malicious actors seeking to compromise critical infrastructure. The presence of hard-coded passwords within the device firmware creates a persistent security risk that remains viable regardless of user password changes or system updates.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of static authentication credentials within the device's source code or configuration files during the manufacturing process. These hardcoded credentials are typically embedded in the firmware to facilitate initial setup procedures or provide administrative access for maintenance purposes. However, when such credentials remain unchanged throughout the device's operational lifetime, they become a permanent attack vector that can be discovered through reverse engineering, firmware analysis, or by consulting publicly available documentation. The flaw specifically affects the authentication mechanism of the PowerAgent SC3 BMS, allowing any attacker who discovers these hardcoded credentials to gain unauthorized administrative access to the device without requiring legitimate user credentials or knowledge of the system's normal access controls.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential compromise of entire power distribution networks. The PowerAgent SC3 BMS serves as a monitoring and control point for critical infrastructure, and unauthorized access could enable attackers to manipulate power distribution parameters, disable security controls, or gain access to sensitive operational data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded passwords and credentials, and represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many industrial control systems operate in environments where physical access is limited, making remote exploitation through hardcoded credentials particularly dangerous. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including credential access through hardcoded credentials and initial access through network service scanning to identify devices with default or hardcoded credentials.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of firmware updates to version 6.87 or later, which should contain properly implemented authentication mechanisms without hardcoded credentials. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure and ensure proper credential management practices are implemented. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure development lifecycle practices and implementing proper credential management policies. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Regular firmware updates and security assessments are essential to maintain the integrity of industrial control systems, as this vulnerability demonstrates how simple implementation flaws can create persistent security risks in critical infrastructure environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address vulnerabilities in industrial control systems.