CVE-2019-7672 in FlexAir
Summary
by MITRE
Prima Systems FlexAir devices have Hard-coded Credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7672 affects Prima Systems FlexAir devices and represents a critical security flaw involving hard-coded credentials within the device firmware. This issue falls under the category of weak credential management and configuration vulnerabilities that can severely compromise device security and network integrity. The presence of hard-coded credentials means that authentication parameters are embedded directly within the software code or configuration files, making them easily discoverable by attackers who gain access to the device or its firmware through various exploitation vectors. Such credentials typically remain unchanged throughout the device lifecycle and are often shared across multiple devices within the same product line, creating a single point of failure that can be exploited at scale.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the storage of default usernames and passwords within the device firmware or configuration files in a manner that cannot be easily modified or removed. These credentials are often embedded in plain text or simple obfuscation methods that provide minimal security protection against determined attackers. When an attacker successfully gains access to the device through network exploitation, physical access, or other means, they can leverage these hard-coded credentials to establish unauthorized administrative access. This access enables full control over device operations, configuration changes, data exfiltration, and potential use as a pivot point for lateral movement within connected networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental authentication mechanism of the device, rendering any additional security measures ineffective against this specific attack vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7672 extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures that rely on Prima Systems FlexAir devices for industrial control or monitoring functions. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain persistent access to critical infrastructure systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data breaches, or even physical safety risks in industrial environments where these devices are deployed. The vulnerability creates an environment where unauthorized users can perform administrative functions without proper authentication, including modifying device configurations, accessing sensitive operational data, or disabling security features. Network administrators may remain unaware of the compromise until significant damage has occurred, as the hard-coded credentials provide legitimate access paths that bypass normal security monitoring mechanisms. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords, and represents a clear violation of security best practices for credential management in embedded systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7672 require immediate action from device administrators and system operators. The primary recommendation involves implementing firmware updates from Prima Systems that address the hard-coded credential issue through proper credential management and secure authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or unauthorized access attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms where possible, though this may be limited by device capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure development practices and proper credential management as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001, which emphasize the need for robust authentication controls and secure configuration management to prevent exactly this type of security weakness from compromising operational technology systems.