CVE-2018-15484 in Group Controller
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on KONE Group Controller (KGC) devices before 4.6.5. Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution is possible through the open HTTP interface by modifying autoexec.bat, aka KONE-01.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15484 affects KONE Group Controller devices running firmware versions prior to 4.6.5, presenting a critical security risk through an unauthenticated remote code execution flaw. This vulnerability specifically targets the open HTTP interface of these industrial control systems, which are commonly deployed in elevator and escalator control environments. The issue stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms that allow any remote attacker to access the device's configuration interface without requiring valid credentials, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors targeting industrial infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through the manipulation of the autoexec.bat file, a critical system component that typically executes commands automatically during system startup. This file modification capability represents a fundamental security weakness in the device's access control implementation, as it allows attackers to inject malicious code that can persist across system reboots. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the target system from any location without prior authentication, effectively providing complete control over the device's operations. This type of vulnerability commonly maps to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of malicious code through system interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to completely compromise the industrial control systems managing critical infrastructure. In elevator and escalator applications, this could lead to service disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical harm to users. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that security monitoring systems may not detect the intrusion, as there are no authentication attempts to trigger alerts. Organizations using these devices face significant risk of operational disruption, as attackers can modify system configurations, introduce backdoors, or execute denial-of-service attacks that could render the elevator systems inoperable. The vulnerability also poses risks to broader network security, as compromised controllers can serve as entry points for lateral movement within industrial networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 4.6.5 or later, which addresses the authentication flaws and closes the remote access paths that enable exploitation. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate these devices from general network access, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. Access controls must be strengthened through proper authentication mechanisms, including the implementation of strong passwords and multi-factor authentication where possible. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts to these devices. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their industrial control systems to identify similar vulnerabilities in other legacy equipment. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the firmware updates do not disrupt the critical operations of the elevator systems while maintaining the security improvements necessary to prevent exploitation.