CVE-2018-15534 in re_porter 16
Summary
by MITRE
Geutebrueck re_porter 16 before 7.8.974.20 has a possibility of unauthenticated access to sensitive information including usernames and hashes via a direct request for /statistics/gscsetup.xml on TCP port 12003.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15534 affects Geutebrueck re_porter 16 software versions prior to 7.8.974.20 and represents a critical security flaw in the network communication protocols of this industrial networking device. This issue manifests through an improper access control mechanism that allows unauthorized parties to obtain sensitive information directly through network requests. The vulnerability specifically impacts TCP port 12003 which serves as the primary communication channel for the re_porter system, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking to compromise industrial control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of authentication checks on the /statistics/gscsetup.xml endpoint within the software's web interface. When an attacker sends a direct HTTP request to this specific path on the designated port, the system responds with sensitive data including user credentials and hash values without requiring any form of authentication. This design flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of access control and information disclosure protection. The vulnerability maps to CWE-284 which describes improper access control, and more specifically aligns with CWE-312 which addresses exposure of sensitive information through direct requests. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the system fails to validate whether the requesting entity has proper authorization to access the requested resource.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with the foundational information needed for subsequent exploitation attempts. The extracted usernames and password hashes enable attackers to perform credential stuffing attacks against other systems, conduct password spraying operations, or utilize the hashes for offline cracking attempts using rainbow tables or brute force methods. In industrial environments where Geutebrueck re_porter devices are deployed for network management and communication, this vulnerability creates a significant risk of unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The exposure of authentication credentials could potentially lead to complete network compromise, especially if the same credentials are reused across multiple systems within the industrial control network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1110 which covers credential access, making it a critical concern for industrial cybersecurity frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate software updates to version 7.8.974.20 or later, which contains the necessary authentication controls to prevent unauthorized access to the statistics endpoint. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate the affected devices from critical network segments, and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to TCP port 12003 to only authorized management systems. Additional protective measures include implementing network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns to the vulnerable endpoint, conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems, and establishing robust credential management policies. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to access sensitive endpoints without proper authentication. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security patches promptly and maintaining up-to-date security configurations for industrial control systems, particularly those handling sensitive operational data in manufacturing and industrial environments.