CVE-2019-5106 in e!Cockpit
Summary
by MITRE
A hard-coded encryption key vulnerability exists in the authentication functionality of WAGO e!Cockpit version 1.5.1.1. An attacker with access to communications between e!Cockpit and CoDeSyS Gateway can trivially recover the password of any user attempting to log in, in plain text.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5106 represents a critical security flaw within the WAGO eCockpit management interface and the CoDeSyS Gateway component, which serves as a bridge for industrial automation and control systems. The presence of a hard-coded key violates fundamental security principles and creates a backdoor that allows unauthorized parties to decrypt sensitive authentication data without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor cryptographic practices where developers embedded a static encryption key directly into the application code rather than implementing proper key management protocols. This design flaw enables an attacker positioned within the network to intercept communication traffic between the e!Cockpit and CoDeSyS Gateway components. The attacker can then utilize the hard-coded key to decrypt password hashes or encrypted credentials that are transmitted during the authentication process, effectively bypassing all authentication mechanisms and gaining access to user accounts with plain text credentials. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, as the key is readily available within the software binary or configuration files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of industrial control systems that rely on WAGO e!Cockpit for management and monitoring. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure management interfaces, potentially leading to system disruption, data manipulation, or even physical safety hazards in industrial environments. The vulnerability affects any user attempting to authenticate with the system, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited repeatedly without detection. Organizations using this software face significant risk of unauthorized access to their industrial automation systems, which could result in operational disruptions, regulatory compliance violations, and potential safety incidents in critical infrastructure sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-5106 require immediate action to address the hard-coded encryption key vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit communication between the eCockpit that implements proper key management and cryptographic practices, including the use of dynamic key generation, secure key storage mechanisms, and robust authentication protocols. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or communication anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing secure communication channels using TLS encryption and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and hardcoded keys, and represents a clear violation of NIST SP 800-57 guidelines for cryptographic key management. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique, specifically involving the use of hardcoded credentials and network traffic interception methods that allow adversaries to obtain user authentication information without sophisticated exploitation techniques.