CVE-2018-7793 in HMI SCADA
Summary
by MITRE
A Credential Management vulnerability exists in FoxView HMI SCADA (All Foxboro DCS, Foxboro Evo, and IA Series versions prior to Foxboro DCS Control Core Services 9.4 (CCS 9.4) and FoxView 10.5.) which could cause unauthorized disclosure, modification, or disruption in service when the password is modified without permission.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7793 represents a critical credential management flaw within FoxView HMI SCADA systems manufactured by Foxboro. This weakness affects multiple product lines including Foxboro DCS, Foxboro Evo, and IA Series platforms, specifically targeting versions prior to the release of Foxboro DCS Control Core Services 9.4 and FoxView 10.5. The issue stems from insufficient access controls during password modification processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of weak authentication and authorization flaws that have been consistently documented in industrial control systems and SCADA environments.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate the password change functionality without proper authorization, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw essentially allows unauthorized users to modify credentials, which directly violates fundamental security principles of authentication and access control. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can escalate privileges or establish persistent access to critical industrial processes. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in industrial environments where operational technology systems require robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and proper authentication mechanisms that should be enforced within industrial control systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7793 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential disruption of critical industrial processes and data integrity compromise. When an attacker successfully modifies passwords without authorization, they can gain persistent access to industrial control systems that manage critical infrastructure such as power generation, water treatment, or manufacturing processes. This vulnerability creates a significant risk of service disruption as malicious actors could potentially lock out legitimate users while simultaneously gaining unauthorized access to system controls. The implications are particularly concerning in environments where industrial systems operate 24/7 and where unauthorized access could lead to production halts, safety incidents, or environmental hazards. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and privilege escalation techniques.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the patched versions of Foxboro DCS Control Core Services 9.4 and FoxView 10.5, which address the credential management flaw through enhanced authentication controls. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of industrial control systems to unauthorized network access. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should be established to identify similar weaknesses in industrial control system environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches in operational technology environments and highlights the need for comprehensive security awareness training for industrial control system operators. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication, privileged access management solutions, and continuous monitoring of authentication events to detect and respond to unauthorized credential modifications. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for industrial cybersecurity frameworks that address both traditional IT security concerns and the unique requirements of operational technology environments, aligning with industry standards such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework and IEC 62443 security requirements for industrial automation and control systems.