CVE-2017-9969 in IGSS Mobile Application
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in Schneider Electric's IGSS Mobile application version 3.01 and prior. Passwords are stored in clear text in the configuration which can result in exposure of sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2020
The information disclosure vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-9969 represents a critical security flaw in Schneider Electric's IGSS Mobile application affecting versions 3.01 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the application's configuration files, creating a persistent security risk that directly impacts industrial control systems and automation environments where such applications are deployed. The flaw manifests when the application stores user credentials in plaintext format, making them immediately accessible to any attacker with access to the configuration files or system resources.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials. The technical implementation error occurs at the application level where password hashing or encryption mechanisms are either absent or improperly implemented, allowing passwords to be stored in an easily readable format within the configuration database or files. The IGSS Mobile application's failure to employ proper cryptographic practices for credential storage creates an attack surface that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors with appropriate access privileges to the system's file structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of industrial automation environments. When passwords are stored in cleartext, attackers can gain unauthorized access to critical industrial control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data manipulation, or even physical system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations using Schneider Electric's industrial graphics and supervision systems where mobile applications are deployed for remote monitoring and control, creating significant risk in critical infrastructure sectors including manufacturing, energy, and process control environments. This exposure can enable attackers to escalate privileges and move laterally within industrial networks, potentially affecting operational technology infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of the IGSS Mobile application, implementing file system access controls to restrict unauthorized access to configuration files, and employing network segmentation to limit access to systems where these applications are deployed. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper encryption of sensitive data at rest. The remediation approach should align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those addressing data protection and access control measures. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits will help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data and reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities.