CVE-2019-18865 in Remote Kiln Control
Summary
by MITRE
Information disclosure via error message discrepancies in authentication functions in Blaauw Remote Kiln Control through v3.00r4 allows an unauthenticated attacker to enumerate valid usernames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18865 represents a critical information disclosure weakness in the Blaauw Remote Kiln Control software version 3.00r4 and earlier. This flaw manifests through inconsistent error messaging during authentication processes, creating a pathway for attackers to systematically identify valid user accounts within the system. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to provide uniform error responses when authentication attempts are made with different user credentials, which inadvertently reveals whether a username exists in the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of secure authentication design where error messages should be generic and consistent regardless of whether the issue stems from an invalid username, incorrect password, or system error. In this case, the Blaauw Remote Kiln Control system exhibits different error message behaviors when attempting to authenticate with non-existent versus existing usernames, creating a side-channel information leak. This inconsistency allows attackers to perform user enumeration attacks by systematically testing various username combinations and observing the differing responses from the authentication service.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for unauthorized access to the kiln control system, which likely manages critical industrial processes in manufacturing environments. The ability to enumerate valid usernames provides attackers with a foundational foothold for subsequent exploitation attempts, including brute force attacks, credential stuffing, or social engineering campaigns. The impact extends beyond simple authentication bypass as it compromises the confidentiality of user account information, potentially exposing sensitive operational data and system access credentials that could lead to broader system compromise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, Information Exposure Through Error Message, and specifically demonstrates the risks associated with inconsistent error handling in authentication systems. From an adversary perspective, this weakness maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to acquire valid credentials through account enumeration. The flaw also relates to T1562.001 Impair Command History, as it could enable attackers to establish persistence by leveraging valid accounts discovered through this enumeration process. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including standardizing error messages for all authentication attempts, implementing account lockout mechanisms, and applying rate limiting to prevent automated enumeration attacks.
Effective remediation strategies involve updating the Blaauw Remote Kiln Control software to version 3.00r5 or later, where the inconsistent error handling has been addressed. Additionally, system administrators should configure the application to return generic authentication error messages regardless of whether the username or password is incorrect, ensuring that all authentication failures produce identical responses. Implementing proper logging and monitoring of authentication attempts can help detect and respond to enumeration attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the control system to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in industrial control systems where security is often secondary to operational requirements.