CVE-2019-15497 in iCOMPEL
Summary
by MITRE
Black Box iCOMPEL 9.2.3 through 11.1.4, as used in ONELAN Net-Top-Box 9.2.3 through 11.1.4 and other products, has default credentials that allow remote attackers to access devices remotely via SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15497 represents a critical security flaw in Black Box iCOMPEL software versions 9.2.3 through 11.1.4, which are deployed in ONELAN Net-Top-Box devices and other compatible systems. This vulnerability stems from the implementation of default credentials that remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by unauthorized parties. The affected systems expose multiple network protocols including SSH, HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP, each providing distinct attack vectors for potential adversaries seeking unauthorized access to the compromised devices. The presence of default credentials violates fundamental security principles and creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can leverage to establish persistent access to network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the use of hardcoded default usernames and passwords that are widely known within the security community and readily available in public repositories and vulnerability databases. This flaw directly maps to CWE-798, which categorizes the use of hard-coded credentials as a significant security weakness. The vulnerability affects the authentication mechanisms of the affected devices, allowing remote attackers to bypass normal access controls without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. Network protocols such as SSH enable command execution capabilities, while HTTP and HTTPS interfaces provide web-based access to system management functions, and FTP access allows for file transfer operations that can be leveraged for further compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-15497 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as compromised devices can serve as entry points for broader network infiltration and lateral movement activities. Attackers can utilize the compromised systems to establish persistent backdoors, monitor network traffic, manipulate system configurations, or launch additional attacks against other network segments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which describes legitimate credentials usage for persistence and privilege escalation. The remote accessibility of these services means that attackers can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the devices, significantly amplifying the potential impact and attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must prioritize immediate credential management and configuration changes to address the root cause. Organizations should implement mandatory credential change policies during device deployment, enforce strong password policies, and disable default accounts where possible. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact of compromised devices, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues. The implementation of network monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts and anomalous behavior patterns associated with credential abuse. Additionally, regular software updates and patches should be deployed to ensure that devices are running the latest secure versions of the iCOMPEL software, as Black Box has likely addressed this vulnerability in subsequent releases through proper credential management implementations and security hardening measures.