CVE-2017-6049 in Sitewatch Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Detcon Sitewatch Gateway, all versions without cellular, an attacker can edit settings on the device using a specially crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
The CVE-2017-6049 vulnerability affects the Detcon Sitewatch Gateway device series, specifically those without cellular capabilities. This security flaw represents a critical access control weakness that allows remote attackers to manipulate device configurations through crafted web requests. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication and authorization mechanisms within the device's web interface, creating an avenue for unauthorized administrative actions. The affected devices operate with web-based management interfaces that fail to properly validate user credentials or implement proper session management controls, enabling malicious actors to escalate privileges and modify critical system parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specially crafted Uniform Resource Locators that target specific administrative endpoints within the device's web interface. Attackers can construct URLs that bypass normal authentication procedures and directly access configuration pages, allowing them to modify network settings, update firmware parameters, change user accounts, or alter security configurations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-287 category of Improper Authentication, where the system fails to properly verify the identity of users attempting to perform privileged operations. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate access control implementation, as the device does not properly enforce authorization checks before allowing modifications to sensitive system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6049 extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with the capability to fundamentally alter the device's security posture and operational behavior. An attacker with access to the device could redirect network traffic, disable security features, modify network credentials, or even establish persistent access points that could compromise the entire network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects industrial control systems and security monitoring equipment, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security and physical security systems are interconnected. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, where attackers may leverage compromised devices to manipulate network configurations and establish persistent access. The compromised device could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration or act as a man-in-the-middle device to intercept communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of security patches provided by the vendor, as well as network segmentation and access control measures. Organizations should implement proper network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized configuration changes, particularly in industrial control environments where such devices operate. The remediation process involves ensuring that all administrative interfaces require strong authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication where possible, and implementing proper authorization controls that enforce the principle of least privilege. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web management interfaces when not actively required for device configuration, and implement firewall rules that restrict access to administrative ports to trusted network segments only. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all networked devices maintain up-to-date firmware and that proper access controls are enforced across all administrative interfaces.