CVE-2018-5401 in DCU 210E
Summary
by MITRE
The Auto-Maskin DCU 210E, RP-210E, and Marine Pro Observer Android App transmit sensitive or security-critical data in cleartext in a communication channel that can be sniffed by unauthorized actors. The devices transmit process control information via unencrypted Modbus communications. Impact: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to observe information about configurations, settings, what sensors are present and in use, and other information to aid in crafting spoofed messages. Requires access to the network. Affected releases are Auto-Maskin DCU-210E, RP-210E, and Marine Pro Observer Android App. Versions prior to 3.7 on ARMv7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-5401 represents a critical weakness in the Auto-Maskin DCU 210E, RP-210E, and Marine Pro Observer Android App systems that directly violates fundamental cybersecurity principles. This issue manifests through the transmission of sensitive process control information using unencrypted Modbus communications over network channels that are susceptible to eavesdropping attacks. The affected devices operate within industrial control environments where security is paramount, yet they fail to implement basic encryption mechanisms for data transmission. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems running versions prior to 3.7 on ARMv7 architecture, indicating a widespread issue affecting multiple device models within the Auto-Maskin product line. This flaw creates an exploitable condition where unauthorized actors can intercept and analyze communication streams to gain detailed knowledge of system configurations and operational parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of encryption protocols during data transmission, which aligns with CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information. The Modbus protocol itself is not inherently insecure, but its implementation in these devices lacks proper cryptographic protection for sensitive data exchanges. When process control information flows through unencrypted channels, it becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and passive monitoring techniques that can capture and analyze the transmitted data packets. Network sniffing tools can easily intercept these communications and extract valuable intelligence about the system's sensor configurations, operational parameters, and control settings that would otherwise remain confidential. The attack surface is significantly expanded because the intercepted information provides attackers with detailed knowledge that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks targeting the industrial control systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, creating a pathway for more serious security incidents within industrial environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can use the gathered intelligence to craft sophisticated spoofed messages that appear legitimate to the target systems, potentially leading to unauthorized control of industrial processes. The information obtained includes details about sensor presence and usage patterns, system configurations, and operational parameters that could enable attackers to manipulate the control systems effectively. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of industrial control systems, as attackers can use the discovered information to develop targeted attacks that exploit known system behaviors and configurations. The requirement for network access means that physical proximity or network compromise is necessary, but once achieved, the potential for system disruption and unauthorized control increases dramatically.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the fundamental lack of encryption in the communication protocols used by these industrial devices. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to unauthorized network access, though this does not address the core encryption deficiency. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading affected devices to versions that implement proper encryption protocols for Modbus communications, specifically versions 3.7 and later on ARMv7 architecture. Network administrators should consider deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also implementing secure communication protocols such as TLS or SSL for any data transmission that requires confidentiality. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of applying security controls throughout the entire system lifecycle, as it represents a failure to implement basic security measures in industrial control environments where such protections are essential for maintaining operational integrity and preventing unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems. The attack patterns associated with this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1046 - Network Service Scanning and T1071.1 - Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as attackers would need to identify and exploit the cleartext communication channels to gain access to sensitive operational data.