CVE-2018-4852 in TC100
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in SICLOCK TC100 (All versions) and SICLOCK TC400 (All versions). An attacker with network access to the device could potentially circumvent the authentication mechanism if he/she is able to obtain certain knowledge specific to the attacked device.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-4852 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting SICLOCK TC100 and TC400 time synchronization devices. These industrial time clock systems are widely deployed in enterprise environments for maintaining precise timekeeping across critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms that can be exploited by attackers who possess specific knowledge about the targeted device configuration. This weakness fundamentally compromises the security posture of these time synchronization systems, potentially allowing unauthorized access to critical time management functions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the device's authentication protocol where an attacker with network access can bypass normal authentication procedures by leveraging specific device knowledge. This typically involves exploiting predictable patterns in device behavior, default configurations, or insufficient entropy in authentication tokens. The vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically targeting authentication mechanisms that fail to properly verify user identity. The attack vector requires network connectivity to the device, making it accessible to both internal and external threat actors who can gain access through network reconnaissance or lateral movement techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential disruption of critical time synchronization services that many enterprise systems depend upon. When an attacker successfully bypasses authentication, they can manipulate time settings, potentially causing cascading effects throughout the enterprise network where time-sensitive operations rely on accurate synchronization. This includes impacts on security logging, audit trails, network authentication systems, and time-dependent access controls that depend on precise timekeeping. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial control systems and enterprise environments where time synchronization is critical for maintaining operational integrity and security monitoring effectiveness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-4852 should prioritize immediate network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks. Organizations should implement strong authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication where possible, and ensure that default credentials are changed immediately upon device deployment. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or authentication attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar authentication weaknesses in other industrial control systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for robust account management and monitoring practices to prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components.