CVE-2019-6526 in IKS-G6824A
Summary
by MITRE
Moxa IKS-G6824A series Versions 4.5 and prior, EDS-405A series Version 3.8 and prior, EDS-408A series Version 3.8 and prior, and EDS-510A series Version 3.8 and prior use plaintext transmission of sensitive data, which may allow an attacker to capture sensitive data such as an administrative password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6526 represents a critical security flaw in several Moxa industrial networking devices including the IKS-G6824A series and various EDS-405A, EDS-408A, and EDS-510A series models. These devices utilize plaintext transmission protocols for sensitive data communication, creating a fundamental weakness in their security architecture that directly violates established cybersecurity principles. The affected versions through 4.5 and 3.8 respectively demonstrate a failure to implement proper encryption mechanisms for data in transit, leaving administrative credentials and other sensitive information exposed to interception attacks.
This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of network communications where authentication credentials and administrative passwords are transmitted without encryption, making them susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and network sniffing operations. The technical flaw aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of plaintext data. The absence of encryption in network communications creates an attack surface that allows adversaries positioned within the network to capture and decode sensitive information as it travels between devices and management systems. This weakness particularly affects industrial control systems and network infrastructure where administrative access is crucial for system operation and security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to industrial networking equipment. Once an attacker captures administrative passwords through plaintext transmission, they can manipulate device configurations, potentially disrupting industrial processes, accessing sensitive operational data, or creating backdoor access points within the industrial network infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly concerning in industrial environments where network security is paramount and unauthorized access could lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or data breaches that compromise critical infrastructure operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6526 require immediate implementation of network encryption protocols and security updates provided by Moxa. Organizations should prioritize upgrading affected devices to versions that implement encrypted communication channels, typically through TLS or SSL protocols for administrative interfaces. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate credential interception attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following NIST guidelines for industrial control system security and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, emphasizing the need for encrypted communications to prevent data interception. Additionally, implementing network access controls and regular security assessments can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in industrial networking equipment.