CVE-2017-6047 in Sitewatch Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Detcon Sitewatch Gateway, all versions without cellular, Passwords are presented in plaintext in a file that is accessible without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6047 affects the Detcon Sitewatch Gateway device, specifically versions that lack cellular connectivity. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper access controls and data handling practices. The device stores passwords in plaintext format within a configuration file that can be accessed by any unauthorized user without requiring authentication credentials. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles by creating an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's failure to properly secure sensitive data at rest. The plaintext storage of passwords creates a direct path for credential theft, as the authentication information remains unencrypted and accessible through simple file access mechanisms. This flaw aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling practices. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user credentials should be protected through proper encryption and access control measures, but instead remain in a readable format that can be immediately exploited.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on the Detcon Sitewatch Gateway for security monitoring and access control. Attackers who gain access to the device can immediately retrieve administrative credentials and use them to compromise the entire security infrastructure. The lack of authentication requirements to access the password file means that even casual network observers can obtain these credentials, potentially leading to complete system takeover. This vulnerability impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive data and provides a pathway for malicious actors to modify system configurations.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows a straightforward attack pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078, which covers legitimate credentials usage. An attacker would simply need to access the device's file system through available network interfaces and retrieve the plaintext password file. The impact extends beyond immediate credential theft to include potential lateral movement within the network, as these credentials could be used to access other systems that share similar authentication mechanisms. Organizations using this device face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to physical security systems, and complete compromise of their monitoring infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of access controls and data protection measures. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the device, apply firmware updates if available, and ensure that password files are properly encrypted and access-protected. The solution involves deploying proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive data at rest and implementing authentication controls that prevent unauthorized access to configuration files. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that sensitive information is not stored in plaintext format and that access controls are properly configured to prevent unauthorized file access. This vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper data handling procedures in embedded systems and IoT devices.