CVE-2018-17896 in STARDOM Controller
Summary
by MITRE
Yokogawa STARDOM Controllers FCJ, FCN-100, FCN-RTU, FCN-500, All versions R4.10 and prior, The affected controllers utilize hard-coded credentials which may allow an attacker gain unauthorized access to the maintenance functions and obtain or modify information. This attack can be executed only during maintenance work.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17896 affects Yokogawa STARDOM Controllers including models FCJ FCN-100 FCN-RTU and FCN-500 across all versions up to and including R4.10. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial control systems by embedding hardcoded authentication credentials within the controller firmware. The presence of such hard-coded credentials creates a persistent security risk that persists across system reboots and updates, fundamentally compromising the authentication mechanism of these industrial devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the design decision to embed default usernames and passwords directly into the controller software rather than implementing dynamic or configurable authentication mechanisms. This approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a scenario where attackers can exploit these hardcoded credentials to gain unauthorized access to maintenance functions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the maintenance interface of these controllers, which typically provides administrative access to system configuration, data modification, and operational parameters. According to CWE-798, this represents a weakness where hardcoded credentials are used in software, making it susceptible to exploitation by anyone who discovers these values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides attackers with the ability to obtain or modify critical information within the industrial control environment. During maintenance work periods when these controllers are actively accessed, attackers can exploit the hardcoded credentials to manipulate system configurations, alter operational parameters, or extract sensitive data. This threat is particularly concerning in industrial settings where controller integrity directly affects production processes and safety systems. The attack vector requires only knowledge of the hardcoded credentials and access during maintenance windows, making it relatively straightforward to exploit while potentially causing significant operational disruption.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers Valid Accounts and T1566 which covers Phishing. The hardcoded credentials essentially provide legitimate access paths that attackers can leverage without requiring sophisticated social engineering or advanced exploitation techniques. Organizations using these controllers face a heightened risk during maintenance windows when system administrators are typically accessing these devices for configuration updates or troubleshooting activities. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it affects multiple controller models within the same product line, suggesting a systemic design flaw rather than isolated component issues. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Yokogawa, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to these devices, and the establishment of strict maintenance access controls that minimize the window of opportunity for exploitation.