CVE-2019-10712 in 750-330
Summary
by MITRE
The Web-GUI on WAGO Series 750-88x (750-330, 750-352, 750-829, 750-831, 750-852, 750-880, 750-881, 750-882, 750-884, 750-885, 750-889) and Series 750-87x (750-830, 750-849, 750-871, 750-872, 750-873) devices has undocumented service access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10712 affects WAGO series industrial automation devices including models 750-330, 750-352, 750-829, 750-831, 750-852, 750-880, 750-881, 750-882, 750-884, 750-885, 750-889, and 750-830, 750-849, 750-871, 750-872, 750-873 which are part of the 750-88x and 750-87x series. These devices operate within critical industrial environments where security is paramount for operational technology infrastructure. The vulnerability manifests through the web-based graphical user interface that provides access to device configuration and management functions. This interface contains undocumented service access points that are not properly secured or documented within the standard operational procedures. The presence of undocumented access mechanisms represents a significant security flaw that could allow unauthorized individuals to gain access to device management functions without proper authentication or authorization. This vulnerability specifically falls under CWE-668, which describes "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere" where a resource is made available to an entity that should not have access to it. The flaw exists because the web interface implementation fails to properly restrict access to administrative functions, potentially allowing any user with network access to interact with services that should only be available to authorized administrators. This situation creates a dangerous scenario where unauthorized access to industrial control systems could occur, potentially leading to system compromise and operational disruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the web-based management interface of these industrial devices. The undocumented service access points represent backdoors or hidden endpoints that bypass normal authentication procedures and authorization checks. These hidden interfaces could be accessed through various means including direct web browser navigation, automated tools, or network scanning techniques that identify open ports and services. The lack of proper access control validation means that users who might not have legitimate administrative privileges could potentially execute administrative functions, modify device configurations, or access sensitive operational data. This issue directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the industrial control systems as defined by the CIA triad. The vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where access to system management functions is not properly restricted to authorized personnel only. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability could be exploited by attackers with network access to the devices, potentially allowing them to modify device settings, disable security features, or even cause operational disruptions that could affect production processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-10712 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially catastrophic consequences for industrial environments. In critical infrastructure settings, unauthorized modification of device configurations could lead to production halts, safety hazards, or security breaches that compromise entire operational networks. The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers who gain network access to the industrial environment, potentially allowing them to establish persistent access points or move laterally through the network to compromise additional devices. This threat is particularly concerning given that many industrial environments operate with limited security monitoring and may not detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate industrial processes, potentially causing physical damage to equipment or disrupting critical operations. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability enables techniques such as credential access and privilege escalation, allowing adversaries to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The impact on operational technology environments is severe because these industrial devices often control critical processes where even brief disruptions can result in significant financial losses or safety risks. The lack of proper access control mechanisms means that any network-connected device within the same network segment could potentially be exploited to gain access to these vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10712 must address both immediate operational needs and long-term security improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from general corporate networks, ensuring that access to these devices is restricted to authorized personnel only. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling or removing the undocumented service access points through firmware updates or configuration changes when available. Network access control lists should be implemented to restrict access to the specific ports and services used by the web interface, ensuring that only authorized IP addresses can access the management functions. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify any additional undocumented access points or services that might exist within the industrial environment. Device firmware should be kept up to date with the latest security patches from WAGO, and organizations should monitor for vendor advisories regarding similar vulnerabilities. From a monitoring perspective, network traffic analysis should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts or unusual patterns of access to the web interface. The implementation of multi-factor authentication for administrative access should be considered where possible, and all access to these devices should be logged and regularly reviewed. Security awareness training for personnel who interact with these systems should be enhanced to ensure proper handling of access credentials and recognition of potential security threats. Additionally, organizations should implement proper change management procedures to ensure that any modifications to device configurations are properly authorized and documented, reducing the risk of unauthorized access through legitimate administrative functions.