CVE-2019-18334 in SPPA-T3000 Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability has been identified in SPPA-T3000 Application Server (All versions). An attacker with network access to the Application Server could be able to enumerate valid user names by sending specifically crafted packets to 8090/tcp. Please note that an attacker needs to have network access to the Application Server in order to exploit this vulnerability. At the time of advisory publication no public exploitation of this security vulnerability was known.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18334 affects the SPPA-T3000 Application Server, a critical component in industrial automation and process control environments. This vulnerability represents a significant security weakness that could compromise the integrity of industrial control systems where such servers are deployed. The SPPA-T3000 platform is widely used in power generation and industrial process control applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology environments. The affected system operates on TCP port 8090, which serves as the primary communication channel for application server functions and user authentication processes.
The technical flaw manifests as a username enumeration vulnerability that allows attackers to systematically identify valid user accounts through crafted network packets sent to the designated port. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues where system information is disclosed in a manner that could aid attackers in subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and improper error handling within the authentication mechanism of the application server. When valid usernames are submitted, the server responds with different error messages or behaviors compared to invalid usernames, creating a side-channel information leak that attackers can exploit through careful analysis of response patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential enumeration, as it provides attackers with foundational information necessary for more sophisticated attack vectors. Once valid usernames are identified, attackers can proceed with password spraying, brute force attacks, or social engineering campaigns targeting specific user accounts. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and authentication security within industrial environments, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical process control systems. The attack requires only network access to the target server, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is inadequate or where the server is directly exposed to untrusted networks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access and potentially expand their compromise through credential-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-18334 should focus on network-level protections and application server hardening measures. Organizations should implement strict network segmentation to ensure that the SPPA-T3000 application server is not directly accessible from untrusted networks, and that access is restricted to authorized personnel only. Network access control lists should be configured to limit connections to port 8090 to specific trusted IP addresses or ranges. Additionally, the application server should be updated to the latest available version that includes patches addressing this enumeration vulnerability. System administrators should also implement rate limiting and connection throttling mechanisms to prevent automated enumeration attempts. Monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of authentication attempts that might indicate enumeration activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security patches promptly and maintaining comprehensive inventory of industrial control system components to ensure all vulnerable systems are identified and protected against similar threats.