CVE-2017-6040 in GECKO Lite Managed Switch
Summary
by MITRE
An Information Exposure issue was discovered in Belden Hirschmann GECKO Lite Managed switch, Version 2.0.00 and prior versions. Non-sensitive information can be obtained anonymously.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6040 represents an information exposure flaw within the Belden Hirschmann GECKO Lite Managed switch firmware version 2.0.00 and earlier releases. This issue allows unauthorized users to obtain non-sensitive information through anonymous access attempts, fundamentally compromising the device's security posture. The vulnerability exists within the switch's network management interface where insufficient access controls permit information disclosure without authentication requirements. Such exposure creates a significant risk for network infrastructure components that are designed to operate within controlled environments but may be accessible from external networks or compromised internal systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues where sensitive data is disclosed to unauthorized actors. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper access control mechanisms within the switch's management protocols, allowing attackers to potentially gather network topology information, device configuration details, or other metadata that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. The GECKO Lite Managed switch operates within industrial network environments where network segmentation and access controls are critical for maintaining operational security. The anonymous information disclosure capability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and need-to-know, creating opportunities for threat actors to map network assets and identify potential attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a reconnaissance foundation for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who can anonymously access non-sensitive information about the switch configuration may use this data to plan targeted attacks against the network infrastructure. This exposure can lead to privilege escalation attempts, denial of service conditions, or further exploitation of other vulnerabilities present in the network ecosystem. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial control systems and network infrastructure where the switch serves as a critical communication hub, potentially enabling attackers to disrupt operational processes or gain unauthorized access to sensitive network segments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper network segmentation and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to management interfaces. Network administrators should ensure that switch management protocols are properly secured through authentication mechanisms and that administrative interfaces are not accessible from untrusted networks. The device firmware should be upgraded to versions that address this information exposure vulnerability, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized information gathering attempts. Additionally, implementing network access control lists and restricting management interface access to authorized personnel only will significantly reduce the attack surface and prevent anonymous information disclosure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security assessments and firmware updates in maintaining secure industrial network environments, aligning with best practices from the industrial cybersecurity framework and supporting the principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for critical infrastructure protection.