CVE-2018-16158 in Power Xpert Meter 4000
Summary
by MITRE
Eaton Power Xpert Meter 4000, 6000, and 8000 devices before 13.4.0.10 have a single SSH private key across different customers' installations and do not properly restrict access to this key, which makes it easier for remote attackers to perform SSH logins (to uid 0) via the PubkeyAuthentication option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16158 affects Eaton Power Xpert Meter series 4000, 6000, and 8000 devices prior to firmware version 13.4.0.10. This represents a critical security flaw in industrial power management equipment that serves as a gateway for unauthorized remote access to critical infrastructure systems. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental design flaw where multiple customer installations share identical SSH private keys, creating a massive security risk across different organizations. This issue falls under CWE-310, which specifically addresses cryptographic vulnerabilities related to weak key management and the use of predictable or shared cryptographic materials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the SSH authentication mechanism by leveraging the PubkeyAuthentication option to bypass standard authentication procedures. When attackers obtain access to the shared private key, they can authenticate as root user (uid 0) without requiring additional credentials, effectively granting them complete administrative control over the affected devices. This flaw operates at the network level and requires no local access or prior exploitation, making it particularly dangerous for industrial environments where these devices often serve as critical components in power distribution systems. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that remains active across multiple installations, enabling attackers to compromise numerous systems simultaneously.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to manipulate critical power management functions and potentially disrupt industrial operations. In industrial control systems, these devices typically monitor and manage power distribution, making them attractive targets for both cyber espionage and operational disruption. The shared key vulnerability means that a single compromised key can provide access to multiple organizations' installations, creating a cascading security risk that could affect entire industrial networks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1021.004, which covers SSH and Telnet protocols as a means of lateral movement and remote access within compromised networks.
Organizations should immediately implement firmware updates to version 13.4.0.10 or later, which addresses the shared key issue through proper key generation and distribution mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized SSH access attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their industrial control systems to identify all affected devices and ensure proper key management practices are implemented. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor for SSH authentication anomalies and unauthorized key usage patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic key management in industrial environments and demonstrates how shared resources can create widespread security implications across multiple organizations.