CVE-2020-25192 in NPort IAW5000A-IO
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2020
The built-in WEB server for MOXA NPort IAW5000A-I/O firmware version 2.1 or lower allows sensitive information to be displayed without proper authorization.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2026
The vulnerability in MOXA NPort IAW5000A-I/O firmware versions 2.1 and earlier represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial network devices. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the device's built-in web server implementation, allowing unauthorized users to gain visibility into sensitive operational data that should remain protected. The affected device operates within industrial automation environments where networked I/O modules serve as critical components for connecting field devices to enterprise networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for operational technology infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate authentication and authorization checks within the web server's response handling mechanisms. When remote users access the device's web interface, the system fails to properly validate user credentials or implement role-based access controls before serving content. This weakness enables attackers to retrieve configuration parameters, network settings, device identifiers, and potentially sensitive operational data without requiring valid authentication credentials. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the HTTP server implementation that handles web requests from remote clients.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities against industrial control systems. An attacker who can access unauthenticated web interfaces gains valuable intelligence about network topology, device configurations, and potential attack vectors that could be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. This information disclosure threat is particularly severe in industrial environments where the exposure of operational details could facilitate more sophisticated attacks targeting critical infrastructure. The vulnerability affects devices deployed in manufacturing, process control, and automation scenarios where security isolation is paramount.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates to versions 2.2 or higher that address the authentication bypass weakness. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to isolate these industrial devices from general network access, while implementing strict firewall rules that limit web server access to authorized administrative workstations only. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all affected devices and establish monitoring procedures for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues in software systems, and represents a potential entry point for attacks categorized under the ATT&CK framework's initial access tactics. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure ongoing protection against similar weaknesses in industrial network infrastructure components.