CVE-2017-9854 in Solar System
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in SMA Solar Technology products. By sniffing for specific packets on the localhost, plaintext passwords can be obtained as they are typed into Sunny Explorer by the user. These passwords can then be used to compromise the overall device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9854 represents a critical security flaw in SMA Solar Technology products that undermines the confidentiality of user authentication data. This weakness specifically affects the Sunny Explorer software interface used to configure and manage SMA solar inverters and related equipment. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user input during password entry processes, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to intercept plaintext credentials through network packet analysis.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the transmission of password data in unencrypted format over localhost network interfaces. When users enter passwords into the Sunny Explorer application, the system fails to properly mask or encrypt these credentials during the input process, making them susceptible to interception by malicious actors monitoring network traffic. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the communication protocols used between the user interface and system components. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in input handling and credential storage practices, aligning with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-255 (Credentials Management Vulnerabilities).
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass complete system compromise of SMA solar installations. Once attackers obtain plaintext passwords through packet sniffing, they can gain unauthorized access to device management interfaces, potentially enabling them to modify system configurations, disable security features, or even execute malicious commands on the affected equipment. This represents a significant risk to industrial control systems and renewable energy infrastructure, where unauthorized access could lead to operational disruptions, data breaches, or safety hazards. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication since it relies on passive network monitoring rather than active exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-9854 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate localhost communications and deploy encryption protocols for all user input transmission. The most effective immediate solution involves updating SMA Solar Technology devices with firmware patches that properly mask password entry and encrypt credential data during transmission. Security controls should include network monitoring for unusual packet patterns and implementation of secure communication protocols such as TLS for all device management interfaces. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1555.003 (Credentials from Password Stores) by demonstrating how credential exposure can occur through improper application design rather than traditional password cracking methods. System administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of conducting thorough security assessments for industrial control systems and emphasizes the critical need for protecting sensitive data at all stages of the communication process.