CVE-2019-9532 in Explorer 710
Summary
by MITRE
The web application portal of the Cobham EXPLORER 710, firmware version 1.07, sends the login password in cleartext. This could allow an unauthenticated, local attacker to intercept the password and gain access to the portal.
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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 allows administrators to configure and monitor system operations. This particular vulnerability exists within the firmware version 1.07 of the device's web application portal, representing a critical security flaw that directly compromises the integrity of the authentication mechanism. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive authentication data during the login process, specifically failing to implement secure transmission protocols for credential information. This flaw is particularly concerning given the device's deployment in environments where physical security may be compromised, such as vessels or remote field locations where unauthorized individuals might have access to network traffic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests as a failure to encrypt or obfuscate the password field during transmission, resulting in the cleartext password being sent over the network without any form of cryptographic protection. This represents a direct violation of established security best practices and industry standards, including those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security framework, where the exposure of credentials through insecure transmission constitutes a critical risk. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-319 (Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information), both of which emphasize the dangers of transmitting sensitive data without proper encryption. The flaw allows an attacker positioned within the network traffic interception range to capture the password using standard network monitoring tools such as tcpdump, wireshark, or similar packet analysis utilities, effectively eliminating any security barrier that should normally protect the authentication process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized administrative access to the device's management portal, potentially enabling a wide range of malicious activities including system configuration changes, data exfiltration, and the potential for further network infiltration. This represents a significant threat to the security posture of any organization relying on the Cobham EXPLORER 710 for critical communications infrastructure, particularly in maritime environments where secure communications are paramount for safety and operational continuity. The vulnerability can be exploited by local attackers who have network access to the device, making it particularly dangerous in shared network environments or when the device is connected to untrusted networks. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1075 (Pass the Hash) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as it enables credential harvesting that can be used for lateral movement within networks. The impact is further exacerbated by the fact that many organizations may not immediately detect unauthorized access to critical communication equipment, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access without detection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing transport layer security through the deployment of HTTPS with strong encryption protocols, ensuring that all authentication data is transmitted over encrypted channels. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to critical devices, requiring authentication and authorization controls at multiple network boundaries. Additionally, regular firmware updates and patch management procedures should be established to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future deployments. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized access attempts and network traffic analysis to identify potential credential interception activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration management, as proper implementation of secure communication protocols should be part of the baseline configuration for all networked devices. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their communication infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive security controls that align with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for secure network communications and authentication mechanisms.