CVE-2019-1010136 in PLC Wireless Router
Summary
by MITRE
ChinaMobile GPN2.4P21-C-CN W2001EN-00 is affected by: Incorrect Access Control - Unauthenticated Remote Reboot. The impact is: PLC Wireless Router's are vulnerable to an unauthenticated remote reboot due. The component is: Reboot settings are available to unauthenticated users instead of only authenticaed users. The attack vector is: Remote.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2020
This vulnerability affects ChinaMobile GPN2.4P21-C-CN W2001EN-00 devices where improper access control mechanisms allow unauthorized remote reboot operations. The flaw resides in the reboot settings functionality which fails to properly authenticate users before permitting system restart commands. This represents a critical security weakness that directly violates fundamental access control principles and creates significant operational risks for industrial control systems. The vulnerability enables any remote attacker to initiate device reboots without proper credentials, potentially disrupting critical network operations and creating denial of service conditions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication checks within the device's web interface or management protocols. When users attempt to access reboot functionality, the system does not validate user credentials or authorization levels before executing the reboot command. This misconfiguration allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly invoke administrative functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in access control mechanisms, specifically targeting the absence of proper authentication requirements for privileged operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the affected devices operate in industrial environments where unauthorized device manipulation can lead to cascading failures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise entire industrial control networks. When attackers can remotely reboot PLC wireless routers, they can disrupt critical manufacturing processes, cause production line shutdowns, or create conditions that may be exploited for further attacks. The remote attack vector eliminates the need for physical access or network proximity, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for operational technology environments. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation technique through unauthorized system manipulation, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access or conduct more sophisticated attacks against connected industrial systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper authentication controls and access restrictions for all administrative functions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to limit access to device management interfaces to authorized personnel only. Regular firmware updates should be deployed to address known vulnerabilities, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts. Device administrators should also consider implementing additional security layers such as two-factor authentication for management access and disabling unnecessary remote management features. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of applying security principles to industrial control systems where operational continuity and safety are paramount considerations.