CVE-2020-5783 in HeliOS GLinq
Summary
by MITRE
In IgniteNet HeliOS GLinq v2.2.1 r2961, the login functionality does not contain any CSRF protection mechanisms.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5783 affects the IgniteNet HeliOS GLinq version 2.2.1 build 2961, specifically targeting the authentication system's lack of Cross-Site Request Forgery protection. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the device's user authentication process and exposes the system to various attack vectors that could compromise network security.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper CSRF protection mechanisms within the login functionality of the HeliOS GLinq device. This vulnerability falls under CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, where an attacker can trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions on a web application. The device fails to implement any form of anti-CSRF tokens, referer validation, or other protective measures that would normally prevent malicious requests from being executed without the user's explicit consent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to potentially hijack user sessions or perform unauthorized administrative actions on the device. An attacker could craft malicious web pages or email attachments that, when visited by an authenticated user, would automatically submit login requests to the vulnerable device. This could lead to unauthorized access to network management interfaces, configuration changes, or even complete device compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the core authentication mechanism, making it a prime target for exploitation in network penetration testing scenarios.
Organizations using this version of HeliOS GLinq should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to a patched version of the software, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the device, and deploying additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper security controls in network infrastructure devices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing attacks that often exploit such authentication weaknesses. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious login patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability highlights the broader issue of insufficient security implementation in embedded network devices, where authentication mechanisms are often overlooked in favor of functionality and ease of use. The lack of CSRF protection in the login functionality represents a fundamental security gap that could be exploited in various attack scenarios including man-in-the-middle attacks or session hijacking attempts. Security professionals should note that such vulnerabilities are commonly found in industrial control systems and network infrastructure devices where security considerations may not be prioritized during development phases, making regular security assessments and updates crucial for maintaining network integrity.
The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing comprehensive security controls even in seemingly simple authentication mechanisms. Without proper CSRF protection, legitimate users become vulnerable to attacks that exploit the trust relationship between the user and the web application, potentially leading to complete network compromise. Organizations should ensure that all network devices undergo regular security assessments and that vendors provide timely security patches to address known vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting core authentication mechanisms that could provide attackers with persistent access to critical network infrastructure components.