CVE-2018-4069 in AirLink ES450
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the ACEManager authentication functionality of Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 FW 4.9.3. The ACEManager authentication functionality is done in plaintext XML to the web server. An attacker can listen to network traffic upstream from the device to capitalize on this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4069 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 firmware version 4.9.3. This issue specifically affects the ACEManager authentication mechanism which handles user authentication for the device's web interface. The flaw stems from the implementation of plaintext XML communication during the authentication process, creating an inherent security weakness that exposes sensitive authentication data to network monitoring. The vulnerability manifests when authentication credentials are transmitted in an unencrypted format, making them susceptible to interception by malicious actors positioned within the network traffic flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of data. The ACEManager functionality in the AirLink ES450 device employs plaintext XML transmission for authentication purposes, meaning that user credentials including usernames and passwords are sent across the network without any form of encryption or obfuscation. This design flaw allows an attacker to perform passive network monitoring using standard packet capture tools, enabling them to intercept and decode the XML authentication messages containing authentication tokens and user credentials. The vulnerability exists at the network layer where the device communicates with the web server, creating a direct pathway for credential theft without requiring any active exploitation techniques.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations deploying Sierra Wireless AirLink ES450 devices in their network infrastructure. The information disclosure threat extends beyond simple credential exposure to potentially enable full device compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Attackers who successfully intercept the plaintext authentication data can leverage these credentials to gain complete control over the affected devices, potentially using them to modify device configurations, access network resources, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where the devices are deployed in untrusted network segments or where network traffic is not properly segmented, as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the credential access and defense evasion categories. Attackers can utilize network sniffing capabilities to capture the plaintext XML authentication traffic, which represents a low-effort, high-impact attack vector that can be automated using readily available tools. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of privilege escalation through credential theft, as the intercepted authentication data can be used to elevate privileges within the device's administrative interface. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, encryption protocols, and regular security assessments to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, as the exposure of authentication credentials through plaintext transmission creates a fundamental security weakness that undermines the device's overall security posture.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate firmware updates from Sierra Wireless, as the issue stems from the device's inherent implementation rather than configuration errors. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious authentication traffic patterns, though this represents a reactive measure rather than a permanent fix. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure communication protocols in embedded systems and demonstrates the critical need for encryption of sensitive data transmission, particularly in network management interfaces. Without proper mitigation, this vulnerability maintains a persistent threat level that could be exploited by both skilled attackers and automated threat actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure devices.