CVE-2017-6046 in AirLink Raven XE
Summary
by MITRE
An Insufficiently Protected Credentials issue was discovered in Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven XE, all versions prior to 4.0.14, and AirLink Raven XT, all versions prior to 4.0.11. Sensitive information is insufficiently protected during transmission and vulnerable to sniffing, which could lead to information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6046 represents a critical weakness in the Sierra Wireless AirLink Raven XE and AirLink Raven XT cellular communication devices. These industrial-grade wireless routers and gateways are designed for remote network connectivity in harsh environments, making them essential components in critical infrastructure deployments. The flaw manifests in the insufficient protection of credentials during transmission, creating a significant security risk that could compromise entire network ecosystems. This vulnerability affects all versions prior to 4.0.14 for the XE model and 4.0.11 for the XT model, indicating that the issue has persisted across multiple firmware releases and represents a fundamental flaw in the authentication mechanism design.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate encryption and authentication protocols during credential transmission between the device and network management systems. When users configure network access parameters, authentication credentials, or configuration settings, these sensitive elements are transmitted without proper cryptographic protection. This weakness allows attackers positioned within the network to perform packet sniffing operations and capture authentication data in plaintext or weakly encrypted formats. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials during transmission, and represents a clear violation of secure communication standards. Network traffic analysis reveals that authentication tokens, usernames, and passwords are transmitted in formats that can be readily intercepted and decoded by unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates pathways for unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain administrative control over affected devices, potentially leading to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical communications. In industrial environments where these devices are commonly deployed for SCADA systems, IoT deployments, or remote monitoring applications, the consequences are particularly severe. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until firmware updates are applied, making it attractive to threat actors who may maintain long-term access to compromised networks. This weakness also violates fundamental principles of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically the credential access tactics that involve collecting authentication data through network sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Organizations deploying Sierra Wireless AirLink devices should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including mandatory firmware updates to versions 4.0.14 or later for XE models and 4.0.11 or later for XT models. Network administrators must also deploy additional security controls such as network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and continuous monitoring of network traffic for suspicious credential-related activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure communication protocols and proper implementation of TLS/SSL encryption for all network management interfaces. Security teams should conduct thorough risk assessments of all affected deployments and implement network access controls to limit exposure while updates are being deployed. The incident underscores the critical need for manufacturers to implement robust security testing and validation processes during firmware development, particularly for devices operating in high-risk environments where credential compromise could lead to cascading security failures across entire infrastructure ecosystems.