CVE-2018-13992 in FL SWITCH
Summary
by MITRE
The WebUI of PHOENIX CONTACT FL SWITCH 3xxx, 4xxx, 48xx versions 1.0 to 1.34 allows for plaintext transmission (HTTP) of user credentials by default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13992 affects the web user interface of PHOENIX CONTACT FL SWITCH series devices including models 3xxx, 4xxx, and 48xx. These industrial network switches operate within critical infrastructure environments where security is paramount. The flaw resides in the default configuration of the web management interface which transmits user authentication credentials using unencrypted http protocol instead of secure https. This represents a fundamental weakness in the device's security architecture that directly violates established cybersecurity principles and best practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's default web server configuration that does not enforce encrypted communication channels for authentication processes. When users access the web interface to manage switch configurations, their username and password are transmitted in plaintext format over the network. This plaintext transmission exposes credentials to interception by attackers who can capture authentication data through network sniffing techniques. The vulnerability specifically affects firmware versions ranging from 1.0 through 1.34, indicating a widespread issue across multiple iterations of the product line. From a cybersecurity perspective, this flaw maps directly to CWE-319 which categorizes weaknesses related to the exposure of sensitive information through improper transmission over networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure management systems. Once credentials are captured, adversaries can modify switch configurations, implement malicious network policies, or establish persistent access points within the network environment. This represents a significant risk in industrial control systems where network switches serve as foundational components for network segmentation and security controls. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges and potentially compromise entire network segments, as the web interface typically provides administrative access to core switch functionalities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for credential harvesting through network sniffing techniques.
Organizations utilizing these devices face substantial risk when operating with default configurations, particularly in environments where network traffic is not properly segmented or monitored. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or advanced techniques to exploit, making it accessible to threat actors with basic network reconnaissance capabilities. Mitigation strategies should include immediate configuration changes to enforce https encryption for web management interfaces, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to management ports, and regular firmware updates to address the underlying security flaw. Security teams should also implement network monitoring solutions capable of detecting and alerting on plaintext credential transmission attempts, as well as conduct regular security assessments to identify other default configurations that may expose similar vulnerabilities. The affected devices should be prioritized for immediate remediation, with comprehensive network security reviews performed to identify potential additional exposure points within the industrial control system environment.