CVE-2019-10979 in MSC800
Summary
by MITRE
SICK MSC800 all versions prior to Version 4.0, the affected firmware versions contain a hard-coded customer account password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10979 affects SICK MSC800 industrial devices running firmware versions prior to version 4.0, representing a critical security flaw that compromises the integrity of access controls within industrial automation environments. This issue stems from the inclusion of a hard-coded password within the firmware itself, creating a persistent backdoor that remains active across device deployments and updates. The affected devices operate within industrial control systems where unauthorized access can lead to catastrophic operational disruptions and safety hazards.
The technical flaw manifests as a hardcoded credential embedded within the device firmware at compile time, violating fundamental security principles of credential management and access control. According to CWE-798, this represents a weakness where hardcoded credentials are present in software, making them easily discoverable by attackers who may reverse engineer the firmware or obtain it through legitimate means. The vulnerability creates a persistent access vector that remains effective regardless of subsequent password changes or security updates, as the hard-coded credentials are immutable within the device firmware itself. This flaw directly impacts the device's authentication mechanism, allowing any attacker with knowledge of the hardcoded password to gain unauthorized administrative access to the device configuration and operational parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate industrial processes, compromise sensor data integrity, and disrupt critical manufacturing operations. In industrial control systems, such vulnerabilities can lead to production halts, safety violations, and significant financial losses. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these devices are often deployed in environments with limited network segmentation and security monitoring, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to industrial networks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing via social engineering, as attackers may exploit the hardcoded credentials to establish initial access and maintain persistence within industrial environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10979 require immediate firmware updates to version 4.0 or later, which removes the hardcoded credentials and implements proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations must conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their industrial control systems and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit lateral movement opportunities, while continuous monitoring of industrial networks for unauthorized access attempts becomes critical. Security teams should also consider implementing device authentication mechanisms such as certificates and multi-factor authentication to strengthen overall security postures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure software development practices and regular security assessments in industrial environments, as hardcoded credentials represent a fundamental breach of security design principles that can compromise entire operational ecosystems.