CVE-2019-9530 in Explorer 710
Summary
by MITRE
The web root directory of the Cobham EXPLORER 710, firmware version 1.07, has no access restrictions on downloading and reading all files. This could allow an unauthenticated, local attacker connected to the device to access and download any file found in the web root directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2020
The Cobham EXPLORER 710 is a specialized satellite communication device designed for maritime and aviation applications, serving as a critical component in global communications infrastructure. This device operates with a web-based management interface that allows administrators to configure and monitor the system through standard web protocols. The firmware version 1.07 contains a critical security flaw that fundamentally undermines the device's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability exists within the web server implementation where the web root directory lacks proper authentication and authorization checks for file access operations. This represents a severe configuration error that allows any local attacker with network connectivity to the device to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive files from the system.
The technical flaw manifests as an improper access control vulnerability that directly violates the principle of least privilege and mandatory access controls. This weakness can be categorized under CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms in software systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the web server's file system access routines where directory traversal and file reading operations occur without verifying the identity or authorization level of the requesting entity. The device's web interface exposes the entire web root directory structure to unauthenticated users, enabling them to enumerate and download any file present in this directory without requiring valid credentials or administrative privileges. This flaw essentially creates a backdoor that allows arbitrary file access, potentially exposing configuration files, system logs, user credentials, and other sensitive data that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Cobham EXPLORER 710 devices for critical communications. An unauthenticated attacker who gains local network access to the device can compromise the entire system by downloading sensitive files that may contain system configuration details, network settings, or even embedded credentials. This vulnerability enables a range of malicious activities that align with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access and T1083 file and directory discovery techniques. The attacker could potentially extract system information that aids in further exploitation, escalate privileges, or conduct reconnaissance against the broader network infrastructure. The device's role in maritime and aviation communications means that exploitation could lead to service disruption, data interception, or compromise of critical operational data that affects safety and security.
Organizations should immediately implement network segmentation to isolate these devices from general network access and restrict physical access to prevent local exploitation. The recommended mitigations include applying firmware updates from Cobham when available, implementing network access control lists to limit access to the device's management interfaces, and conducting comprehensive network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. System administrators should also perform regular security audits to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities in other networked devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management and demonstrates how simple misconfigurations can create severe security risks in critical infrastructure devices. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as network intrusion detection systems and regular vulnerability assessments to identify and address similar weaknesses in their operational technology environments.