CVE-2018-14796 in SmartCooler
Summary
by MITRE
Tec4Data SmartCooler, all versions prior to firmware 180806, the device responds to a remote unauthenticated reboot command that may be used to perform a denial of service attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14796 affects Tec4Data SmartCooler devices running firmware versions prior to 180806, representing a critical security flaw in industrial cooling equipment that exposes operational technology systems to unauthorized remote manipulation. This vulnerability resides within the device's network communication protocols and demonstrates a fundamental lack of authentication mechanisms for critical system functions. The affected devices operate in environments where continuous operation is essential, making this flaw particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring any credentials or prior access to the system. The vulnerability specifically targets the device's reboot functionality, which when triggered remotely can cause immediate system interruption and service degradation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authentication checks for the reboot command interface. According to CWE-305 authentication bypass, this flaw allows any remote attacker to send a reboot command to the device without proving their authorization or identity. The SmartCooler device's firmware fails to implement any form of access control or verification mechanism for administrative commands, creating an attack surface that directly violates security best practices for industrial control systems. The device responds to the reboot command regardless of the sender's credentials, making it susceptible to exploitation through network-based attacks that do not require specialized tools or deep technical knowledge. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in system design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially critical industrial environments where temperature control systems are essential for equipment operation and safety. When exploited, the remote reboot command can cause immediate system downtime, leading to potential equipment damage, production losses, and safety hazards in facilities that depend on continuous cooling operations. The attack can be executed from any location with network access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for systems deployed in remote or unsecured locations. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of operational disruption, as the vulnerability allows for repeated attacks that can be used to maintain persistent denial of service conditions. The lack of authentication also means that legitimate administrative access could be compromised or that unauthorized personnel could gain control over critical cooling systems. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments such as data centers, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial settings where continuous temperature monitoring and control are essential for proper system operation. The exploitability of this vulnerability makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to disrupt operations or gain further access to networked systems through the device's connection to larger industrial networks. Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while planning firmware upgrades to address the authentication bypass issue. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure firmware design in OT environments and underscores the need for regular security assessments of industrial equipment to prevent similar issues from compromising operational integrity and safety systems.