CVE-2017-9852 in Solar System
Summary
by MITRE
An Incorrect Password Management issue was discovered in SMA Solar Technology products. Default passwords exist that are rarely changed. User passwords will almost always be default. Installer passwords are expected to be default or similar across installations installed by the same company (but are sometimes changed). Hidden user accounts have (at least in some cases, though more research is required to test this for all hidden user accounts) a fixed password for all devices; it can never be changed by a user. Other vulnerabilities exist that allow an attacker to get the passwords of these hidden user accounts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9852 represents a critical weakness in password management practices within SMA Solar Technology products, specifically affecting their authentication mechanisms and user account security. This issue falls under the broader category of weak credential management that has been consistently documented in industrial control systems and embedded devices. The flaw manifests through the persistent use of default credentials across multiple installations, creating a systematic security weakness that undermines the fundamental principle of unique authentication credentials for each user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where these devices often serve as critical components in power generation and distribution systems, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking persistent access to operational technology infrastructure. The presence of default passwords that are rarely changed creates a persistent attack surface that can be exploited by threat actors with minimal technical expertise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor security design practices within the SMA Solar Technology products, where default credentials are hardcoded into the firmware and cannot be modified by end users or system administrators. This flaw directly corresponds to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-259, which covers weak password management. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the existence of hidden user accounts that possess fixed passwords across all devices, meaning that once an attacker discovers the password for one device, they can potentially access identical accounts on other devices within the same installation or across different installations. This design flaw creates a cascading security risk where compromising a single device can lead to access across multiple systems. The hidden nature of these accounts makes them particularly dangerous because they are not visible to normal system users or administrators, and their fixed passwords cannot be changed through standard user management procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with persistent entry points that can be maintained across system reboots and updates. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts used for persistence, and T1566, which addresses phishing and social engineering attacks that can be leveraged to exploit weak credential practices. The vulnerability enables attackers to maintain long-term access to solar power systems, potentially allowing them to manipulate power generation data, disrupt operations, or even cause physical damage to equipment. The fact that installer passwords are often similar across installations installed by the same company creates additional attack vectors, as adversaries can use information gathering techniques to identify common password patterns and potentially compromise multiple installations simultaneously. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where these solar systems are connected to larger power grids, as unauthorized access could potentially be used to manipulate power flow or disrupt grid operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9852 require immediate action from system administrators and security teams responsible for SMA Solar Technology installations. The primary recommendation involves implementing comprehensive password management policies that mandate immediate credential changes upon initial system setup and regular password rotation schedules. Organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all SMA Solar Technology devices within their network infrastructure and verify that default credentials have been changed. The implementation of network segmentation and access controls can help limit the impact of compromised credentials by preventing lateral movement within the network. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual authentication patterns or unauthorized access attempts to these devices. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of default credentials or fixed passwords within the system. The use of privileged access management solutions can help ensure that only authorized personnel have access to administrative functions, reducing the risk of unauthorized credential changes or exploitation of hidden accounts. Organizations should also establish procedures for tracking and managing credentials across all installed devices to prevent the recurrence of similar issues in future deployments.