CVE-2018-10698 in AWK-3121
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Moxa AWK-3121 1.14 devices. The device enables an unencrypted TELNET service by default. This allows an attacker who has been able to gain an MITM position to easily sniff the traffic between the device and the user. Also an attacker can easily connect to the TELNET daemon using the default credentials if they have not been changed by the user.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2023
The vulnerability identified in Moxa AWK-3121 version 1.14 devices represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental principles of network communication security. This device configuration exposes an unencrypted telnet service by default, creating a significant attack vector that directly violates industry security best practices and standards. The default enabling of unencrypted services without proper authentication mechanisms constitutes a serious oversight in the device's security architecture, leaving it vulnerable to various exploitation techniques that can compromise the entire network infrastructure.
This technical flaw operates through the exploitation of weak authentication mechanisms and unencrypted communication protocols, specifically targeting the telnet service that operates on port 23. The vulnerability stems from the device's default configuration where telnet is enabled without requiring explicit user intervention to disable it, combined with the use of default credentials that remain unchanged throughout the device's operational lifecycle. The absence of encryption means that all transmitted data, including authentication credentials, is visible in plaintext to any network observer who can intercept the traffic. This weakness directly maps to CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, as it exposes sensitive information through unencrypted communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent backdoor for attackers who successfully position themselves within the network. An attacker with man-in-the-middle capabilities can easily intercept and analyze the unencrypted telnet traffic, capturing usernames and passwords transmitted in plaintext format. This exposure enables attackers to establish persistent access to the device and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the entire network infrastructure. The default credentials provide an immediate attack surface that requires no additional reconnaissance, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where device configurations are not regularly audited or updated.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several tactics and techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on credential access and lateral movement. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish initial access through the telnet service, then use the captured credentials to move laterally within the network infrastructure. The unencrypted nature of the communication means that network monitoring tools can easily detect and analyze the traffic patterns, providing attackers with additional intelligence for further exploitation. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability risk complete compromise of their industrial control systems, as the Moxa AWK-3121 devices often serve as critical components in manufacturing and operational technology environments where security is paramount.
Effective mitigation strategies must include immediate disabling of the unencrypted telnet service and implementation of encrypted alternatives such as SSH for remote access. Network administrators should ensure that default credentials are changed immediately upon device deployment and establish regular security auditing procedures to verify that security configurations remain intact. The implementation of network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while regular firmware updates should be deployed to address known security issues. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unencrypted communication attempts, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure default configurations and the necessity of following security standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 for industrial control systems security management.