CVE-2018-9280 in UPS 9PX 8000 SP
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Eaton UPS 9PX 8000 SP devices. The appliance discloses the SNMP version 3 user's password. The web page displayed by the appliance contains the password in cleartext. Passwords of the read and write users could be retrieved by browsing the source code of the webpage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9280 affects Eaton UPS 9PX 8000 SP devices, representing a critical security flaw in network management infrastructure. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication credentials within the device's web interface, creating an environment where privileged access information becomes readily available to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability specifically targets SNMPv3 user credentials, which form a crucial component of network security protocols for monitoring and managing networked devices. The affected devices expose sensitive password information through their web-based management interface, fundamentally undermining the security posture of organizations relying on these power distribution units for critical infrastructure protection.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the web application layer of the Eaton UPS device where authentication credentials are rendered in cleartext within HTML source code. This represents a classic case of insecure credential storage and display practices that violate fundamental security principles. The vulnerability allows attackers to retrieve both read and write user passwords simply by examining the webpage source code, eliminating the need for sophisticated exploitation techniques or advanced attack vectors. The cleartext exposure occurs at the presentation layer, where the web server fails to properly sanitize or encode sensitive information before rendering it to client browsers. This flaw directly maps to CWE-540, which addresses the inclusion of sensitive information in source code, and CWE-312, concerning the exposure of sensitive data through cleartext storage or transmission.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to network management functions within the power infrastructure. With read and write privileges, unauthorized users can modify critical system parameters, monitor power consumption patterns, and potentially disrupt power distribution services. The vulnerability affects organizations that depend on Eaton UPS devices for maintaining continuous power supply to critical systems, including data centers, medical facilities, and industrial control systems. The exposure of SNMPv3 credentials undermines the entire security framework, as these credentials are typically used for secure network management communications. This vulnerability creates a persistent risk for organizations where physical access to the device or network reconnaissance might be limited, as the credentials can be obtained remotely through simple web browsing activities.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including disabling unnecessary web management interfaces, implementing network segmentation to isolate critical power infrastructure, and enforcing strong access controls through alternative authentication mechanisms. The recommended approach involves configuring the device to use secure communication protocols and implementing proper credential management practices that prevent cleartext exposure. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues across their entire network infrastructure, particularly in industrial control systems and network management devices. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which addresses the discovery of credentials through cleartext storage. Regular firmware updates and security patches should be implemented as part of a comprehensive security program to address similar vulnerabilities that may exist in legacy systems and prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components.