CVE-2019-9529 in Explorer 710
Summary
by MITRE
The web application portal of the Cobham EXPLORER 710, firmware version 1.07, has no authentication by default. This could allow an unauthenticated, local attacker connected to the device to access the portal and to make any change to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2020
The Cobham EXPLORER 710 is a sophisticated communication device designed for maritime and terrestrial applications, featuring a web-based management portal that provides administrative access to critical system functions. This device operates in environments where secure communication and reliable system integrity are paramount, making its security posture particularly critical for operational continuity and data protection. The vulnerability exists within the device's firmware version 1.07, specifically affecting the web application portal that serves as the primary interface for system configuration and monitoring.
The technical flaw represents a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that stems from the device's default configuration failing to implement any form of access control for its web management interface. This absence of authentication mechanisms creates an unsecured entry point that allows any local attacker with physical access to the device to gain full administrative privileges without requiring credentials or authorization. The vulnerability manifests as a lack of authentication controls at the application layer, where the web portal does not enforce user verification before granting access to system configuration options. This weakness directly violates security best practices and represents a fundamental failure in the device's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's functionality and configuration parameters. An attacker with local access could modify critical system settings, alter communication protocols, disable security features, or potentially disrupt service availability. This level of access could compromise the integrity of communication channels, especially in mission-critical applications where the EXPLORER 710 might be responsible for maintaining secure connections between vessels, aircraft, or ground stations. The vulnerability also creates potential for data exfiltration, system manipulation, or service disruption that could have cascading effects on operational missions.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 Authentication Bypass and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it effectively creates a default administrative account that requires no authentication. The lack of authentication represents a design flaw that violates the principle of least privilege, where system access should be restricted to authorized users only. Organizations using this device face significant risk of operational disruption and security compromise, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security by design practices that should have been addressed during the device's development lifecycle, highlighting the importance of implementing proper authentication mechanisms from the outset.
Recommended mitigations include immediate firmware updates from Cobham to address the authentication bypass vulnerability, implementing network segmentation to limit local access to the device, and establishing physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of all similar devices in their inventory to identify potential vulnerabilities, implement network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, and establish procedures for regular firmware updates and security patch management. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of security considerations in embedded systems and highlights the need for robust authentication mechanisms in all networked devices, particularly those operating in sensitive operational environments.