CVE-2019-14927 in ME-RTU
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Mitsubishi Electric ME-RTU devices through 2.02 and INEA ME-RTU devices through 3.0. An unauthenticated remote configuration download vulnerability allows an attacker to download the smartRTU's configuration file (which contains data such as usernames, passwords, and other sensitive RTU data).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
This vulnerability affects Mitsubishi Electric ME-RTU and INEA ME-RTU devices, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial control systems. The issue stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the device's configuration download functionality, creating an exploitable pathway for unauthorized remote access. The vulnerability exists in firmware versions up to 2.02 for ME-RTU devices and 3.0 for INEA ME-RTU devices, indicating a widespread impact across multiple product lines. The flaw allows attackers to remotely access sensitive configuration data without requiring any credentials or authentication, fundamentally compromising the security posture of these industrial devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the device's web interface or communication protocols that handle configuration file requests. When a remote attacker sends a specific request to the device, the system processes the request without validating the requester's credentials or authorization status. This design flaw creates an unauthenticated access point that exposes the complete smartRTU configuration file, which contains critical operational data including user credentials, network settings, and other sensitive information. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in authentication mechanisms, aligning with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication vulnerabilities. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote exploitation from any network location, making it accessible to adversaries regardless of physical proximity to the devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with comprehensive access to industrial control system configurations. The downloaded configuration files contain usernames and passwords that can be used to gain further access to connected systems, potentially enabling lateral movement throughout the industrial network. Additionally, the sensitive RTU data may include network topology information, device configurations, and operational parameters that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of industrial control systems, as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's core functions. The exposure of authentication credentials creates a significant risk for supply chain attacks and can facilitate more advanced persistent threats targeting critical infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical network segments and establish strict access controls for device management interfaces. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying firmware updates from Mitsubishi Electric that address the authentication bypass vulnerability, while also implementing network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their industrial control system environments and establish baseline configurations that minimize exposed attack surfaces. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1078.004 highlights the importance of credential compromise detection and response measures. Additional protective measures include enabling encrypted communications, implementing strong network access controls, and establishing incident response procedures specifically designed for industrial control system security events. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that similar authentication weaknesses are not present in other industrial control system components.