CVE-2018-6020 in Silex SX-500
Summary
by MITRE
In Silex SX-500 all versions and GE MobileLink(GEH-500) version 1.54 and prior, authentication is not verified when making certain POST requests, which may allow attackers to modify system settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6020 affects Silex SX-500 network devices and GE MobileLink (GEH-500) systems running version 1.54 or earlier. This represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the fundamental security controls of these industrial networking appliances. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of authentication credentials during specific POST request operations, creating a pathway for unauthorized modifications to system configurations without proper authorization. Such a weakness is particularly concerning in industrial environments where networked devices control critical infrastructure components and require robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access and configuration changes.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper authentication verification mechanisms when processing certain POST requests to the affected systems. This authentication bypass occurs at the application layer where the device fails to validate user credentials or session tokens before executing configuration modification operations. The vulnerability exists across all versions of Silex SX-500 devices and specifically impacts GE MobileLink systems with version 1.54 and earlier releases, indicating a widespread issue affecting multiple device families within the same vendor ecosystem. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system compromise and operational disruption. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can modify critical system settings without proper authorization, potentially leading to service interruptions, configuration corruption, or even complete system compromise. In industrial control environments, such unauthorized modifications could result in production disruptions, safety hazards, or security breaches that affect critical infrastructure operations. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the underlying authentication mechanisms are properly implemented or patched, making it particularly dangerous for environments where continuous operation and security are paramount.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from the vendor to address the authentication bypass issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of these devices to untrusted networks or users. Monitoring and logging of POST request operations should be enhanced to detect unauthorized configuration changes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as implementing proper input validation, maintaining up-to-date firmware, and conducting regular security assessments of industrial control systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through configuration modification, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both network and application-level threats in industrial environments.