CVE-2017-9630 in LaserWash G5
Summary
by MITRE
An Improper Authentication issue was discovered in PDQ Manufacturing LaserWash G5 and G5 S Series all versions, LaserWash M5, all versions, LaserWash 360 and 360 Plus, all versions, LaserWash AutoXpress and AutoExpress Plus, all versions, LaserJet, all versions, ProTouch Tandem, all versions, ProTouch ICON, all versions, and ProTouch AutoGloss, all versions. The web server does not properly verify that provided authentication information is correct.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-9630 represents a critical improper authentication flaw affecting multiple PDQ Manufacturing laser washing and coating systems across various product lines including G5, M5, 360, AutoXpress, LaserJet, ProTouch Tandem, ProTouch ICON, and ProTouch AutoGloss series. This authentication weakness stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the web server component that handles user credentials and access control. The flaw exists at the core of the system's security architecture where legitimate authentication requests are not properly verified, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive operational controls and system configurations. According to CWE-287, this vulnerability falls under improper authentication, which is a fundamental security weakness that allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized privileges within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the web server's failure to adequately validate authentication information provided by users attempting to access the system interfaces. This improper verification process means that attackers could potentially exploit the system using default credentials, weak passwords, or by simply bypassing authentication altogether. The affected systems typically operate with web-based management interfaces that are accessible over network connections, making them susceptible to both local and remote exploitation. The authentication mechanism appears to rely on basic credential validation without implementing robust security controls such as account lockout mechanisms, secure password handling, or proper session management that would normally prevent unauthorized access attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted across industrial manufacturing environments where these laser washing systems are deployed. Unauthorized access could enable attackers to modify critical process parameters, alter coating specifications, or manipulate production workflows that directly affect product quality and safety standards. In manufacturing contexts, this vulnerability could lead to production disruptions, quality control failures, or even safety hazards if operators can modify system parameters that control laser intensity, chemical mixing ratios, or other critical operational factors. The vulnerability affects systems that are often integrated into larger manufacturing ecosystems, meaning that unauthorized access to one system could potentially provide lateral movement opportunities to other connected devices or networks within the facility.
From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, as attackers could leverage weak authentication to gain persistent access to manufacturing systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these systems are often deployed in production environments where network segmentation may be limited, and where physical access to the systems is common. Organizations implementing these systems should consider the broader security implications beyond the immediate authentication flaw, including potential impacts on industrial control systems, process automation, and overall operational technology security. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper security controls in industrial equipment that should have robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to critical manufacturing processes.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper authentication controls including strong password policies, account lockout mechanisms, and secure credential storage practices. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit access to these systems to authorized personnel only. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning of industrial control systems are essential to identify similar authentication weaknesses across the operational technology infrastructure. System vendors should be encouraged to provide security updates and patches to address these fundamental authentication flaws, while organizations should maintain comprehensive inventory and documentation of all industrial systems to ensure proper security monitoring and incident response capabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of security by design principles in industrial equipment and the necessity for robust authentication mechanisms in all network-accessible systems regardless of their primary function.