CVE-2017-9635 in Ampla MES
Summary
by MITRE
Schneider Electric Ampla MES 6.4 provides capability to configure users and their privileges. When Ampla MES users are configured to use Simple Security, a weakness in the password hashing algorithm could be exploited to reverse the user's password. Schneider Electric recommends that users of Ampla MES versions 6.4 and prior should upgrade to Ampla MES version 6.5 as soon as possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9635 affects Schneider Electric Ampla MES version 6.4 and earlier implementations, representing a critical weakness in the authentication mechanism that undermines user security. This issue specifically manifests when the system is configured to use Simple Security mode, which employs a flawed password hashing algorithm that fails to provide adequate cryptographic protection for user credentials. The vulnerability stems from the system's inadequate implementation of password storage mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to potentially reverse engineer user passwords through cryptographic analysis.
The technical flaw resides in the password hashing algorithm implementation within the Simple Security configuration, where the system does not employ proper cryptographic practices for password storage. This weakness allows unauthorized parties to exploit the hashing mechanism and potentially recover the original passwords from the stored hash values. The vulnerability is classified as a cryptographic weakness that directly impacts the integrity of the authentication system, as it violates fundamental security principles for password storage and management. According to CWE standards, this represents a weakness in cryptographic implementation where insufficient entropy or flawed hashing algorithms are employed, making the system susceptible to reverse engineering attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model of the Ampla MES system. When attackers successfully reverse engineer passwords, they gain unauthorized access to the system with the privileges of legitimate users, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and operational disruption. The vulnerability affects the entire user management framework of the system, as it impacts all users configured with Simple Security mode, potentially exposing critical industrial control system functionalities to unauthorized access. This weakness creates a persistent security risk that remains active until the system is upgraded to the patched version.
Organizations utilizing Schneider Electric Ampla MES 6.4 or earlier versions face significant operational risks from this vulnerability, as it enables attackers to bypass normal authentication controls and gain access to industrial processes. The attack surface is particularly concerning in industrial environments where operational technology systems are connected to enterprise networks, as successful exploitation could lead to cascading security incidents. The recommended mitigation involves immediate upgrading to Ampla MES version 6.5, which addresses the cryptographic weakness in the password hashing implementation. This upgrade process should be carefully planned to ensure operational continuity while addressing the security gap. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper password management practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-63B for digital identity management and authentication systems.