CVE-2018-6825 in Clock
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on VOBOT CLOCK before 0.99.30 devices. An SSH server exists with a hardcoded vobot account that has root access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6825 represents a critical security flaw in VOBOT CLOCK devices running firmware versions prior to 0.99.30. This issue stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the device's secure shell server configuration. The device contains a hardcoded account named vobot that is configured with root privileges, creating an inherent backdoor access vector that bypasses normal authentication procedures. This configuration violates fundamental security principles by embedding administrative credentials directly into the device firmware rather than implementing proper access control measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the SSH protocol which is enabled on the affected devices. Attackers can leverage the hardcoded vobot account to establish unauthorized root-level connections to the device without requiring any legitimate credentials or authentication factors. This hardcoded account represents a classic example of a hard-coded credential vulnerability, which falls under the CWE-798 category of using hardcoded credentials in software. The presence of such credentials eliminates the possibility of proper authentication and authorization controls, effectively granting unrestricted administrative access to anyone who knows or can discover the hardcoded username.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations deploying VOBOT CLOCK devices in production environments. The root access provided through this hardcoded account allows attackers to completely compromise the device's integrity and confidentiality. Once compromised, attackers can modify device configurations, extract sensitive data, install malicious software, or use the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects devices that are likely deployed in industrial or commercial settings where they may control critical operations or serve as network entry points.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate device compromise to encompass broader security implications within enterprise networks. Organizations may be unaware of the presence of these hardcoded accounts, especially if the devices are deployed in remote locations or managed through automated systems. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in device development and deployment practices, as it represents a failure to implement proper access control mechanisms and credential management procedures. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access through exploitation of weak or hardcoded credentials. Organizations should implement comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized SSH connections and establish proper device lifecycle management protocols that include regular firmware updates and security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to update affected devices to firmware version 0.99.30 or later, which presumably addresses the hardcoded credential issue. Security teams should also implement network segmentation to limit access to devices running affected firmware, disable SSH services where not required, and conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their environments. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar hardcoded credentials in other networked devices and systems. Additionally, implementing robust credential management policies and continuous monitoring of authentication logs can help detect exploitation attempts and prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.