CVE-2019-9484 in Carel pCOWeb Configuration Tool
Summary
by MITRE
The Glen Dimplex Deutschland GmbH implementation of the Carel pCOWeb configuration tool allows remote attackers to obtain access via an HTTP session on port 10000, as demonstrated by reading the modem password (which is 1234), or reconfiguring "party mode" or "vacation mode."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9484 represents a critical security weakness in the Carel pCOWeb configuration tool manufactured by Glen Dimplex Deutschland GmbH. This issue manifests through an insecure HTTP session implementation that operates on port 10000, creating an easily exploitable attack vector for remote threat actors. The configuration tool serves industrial control systems and environmental management applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology environments where security is paramount. The flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive system parameters through simple network reconnaissance and session manipulation techniques.
Technical analysis reveals that the vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms and weak session management within the HTTP server implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by establishing connections to port 10000 and leveraging the default credentials or weak authentication schemes to gain administrative access to the system. The demonstration of the vulnerability shows that attackers can read modem passwords that are hardcoded as simple values like "1234," indicating a fundamental failure in credential management practices. This default password configuration directly maps to CWE-798, which addresses the use of hardcoded credentials in software implementations. The system's failure to enforce proper authentication controls creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited without sophisticated attack techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential system compromise and operational disruption. Attackers can manipulate critical system settings such as "party mode" and "vacation mode" configurations, which could lead to unintended environmental conditions in controlled facilities. This capability allows for both passive reconnaissance and active system manipulation, enabling threat actors to establish persistent access while potentially disrupting normal operations. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to implement the techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under initial access and privilege escalation phases, specifically targeting the T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application and T1078 - Valid Accounts categories. The exposed configuration interface represents a high-value target for attackers seeking to gain control over industrial control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9484 should focus on immediate credential management improvements and network segmentation measures. Organizations must implement strong, unique passwords for all administrative accounts and disable default credentials immediately upon system deployment. Network administrators should consider implementing firewall rules to restrict access to port 10000 to authorized network segments only, effectively reducing the attack surface. The implementation of secure communication protocols such as HTTPS with proper certificate management should replace the vulnerable HTTP implementation. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in industrial control systems. System administrators should also implement proper session management controls, including automatic session timeouts and secure session token generation, to prevent session hijacking attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-82 for industrial control systems security and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of all configuration changes to support incident response activities.