CVE-2018-7276 in Quantum BACnet Integration
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Lutron Quantum BACnet Integration 2.0 (firmware 3.2.243) devices. Remote attackers can obtain potentially sensitive information via a /DbXmlInfo.xml request, as demonstrated by the Latitude/Longitude of the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7276 affects Lutron Quantum BACnet Integration devices running firmware version 3.2.243, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive geographical data to remote attackers. This issue stems from insufficient access controls within the device's web interface, specifically targeting the /DbXmlInfo.xml endpoint which serves device configuration and metadata. The vulnerability allows unauthorized remote attackers to retrieve latitude and longitude coordinates of the device location, potentially enabling location-based attacks or reconnaissance activities. The flaw exists due to improper authentication checks and lack of input validation on the XML request handler, creating an attack surface that could be exploited without requiring any credentials or privileged access.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege as defined in cybersecurity frameworks. The attack vector is classified as network-based remote exploitation, meaning any attacker with network access to the device can leverage this vulnerability. The exposure of geographical coordinates creates additional risk beyond simple information disclosure, as this data can be used for social engineering attacks, physical security assessments, or targeted location-based threats. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and inadequate access control mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries through a simple HTTP request.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere data exposure, as location information can be combined with other reconnaissance data to create comprehensive attack profiles for the target facility. Attackers could use the disclosed coordinates to plan physical security breaches, conduct targeted phishing campaigns, or map device locations for subsequent attacks. The vulnerability affects industrial control systems and building automation environments, where such information disclosure could compromise the security of entire facilities. The lack of proper authentication checks on the XML endpoint represents a fundamental flaw in the device's security architecture, potentially exposing other sensitive information that might be accessible through similar unauthenticated requests.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7276 should include immediate firmware updates from Lutron to address the information disclosure vulnerability, network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical infrastructure, and implementation of network access controls to restrict access to the device's web interface. Organizations should also conduct thorough network assessments to identify all affected devices and implement monitoring for suspicious access patterns to the DbXmlInfo.xml endpoint. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing during device deployment and the need for robust access control mechanisms in industrial environments. Additionally, implementing network intrusion detection systems can help identify and alert on unauthorized access attempts to the vulnerable endpoint, while regular security audits should verify that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the building automation system.