CVE-2017-7931 in IP Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
In ABB IP GATEWAY 3.39 and prior, by accessing a specific uniform resource locator (URL) on the web server, a malicious user is able to access the configuration files and application pages without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7931 affects ABB IP GATEWAY versions 3.39 and earlier, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that compromises the security posture of industrial network infrastructure. This vulnerability resides within the web server component of the ABB IP GATEWAY system, which serves as a crucial interface for managing and configuring industrial communication devices. The flaw allows unauthorized access to sensitive system resources through a simple URL manipulation technique, undermining the fundamental security principles of access control and authentication that are essential for protecting industrial control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the web server's URL routing and resource access validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by directly accessing specific URLs that should normally require authentication to reach configuration files and application pages. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability, where the system fails to properly validate user access rights before granting access to protected resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the web interface of the industrial gateway, making it particularly dangerous for operational technology environments where such devices often serve as critical communication bridges between different network segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive configuration data, modify system parameters, and potentially manipulate the communication flows between industrial devices and network infrastructure. This access could enable more sophisticated attacks including lateral movement within the industrial network, data exfiltration, or even manipulation of industrial processes. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the industrial control system, potentially leading to operational failures or safety incidents in environments where ABB IP GATEWAY devices are deployed.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for proper input validation and access control implementation in industrial systems, particularly those handling sensitive operational data. Organizations deploying ABB IP GATEWAY devices should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates to versions that address this authentication bypass, network segmentation to limit access to these devices, and regular security assessments of industrial network infrastructure. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to security standards such as IEC 62443 for industrial automation and control systems, which emphasize the necessity of robust access control mechanisms and secure configuration management in critical infrastructure environments.