CVE-2020-6987 in PT-7528
Summary
by MITRE
In Moxa PT-7528 series firmware, Version 4.0 or lower, and PT-7828 series firmware, Version 3.9 or lower, the affected products use a weak cryptographic algorithm, which may allow confidential information to be disclosed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6987 affects Moxa PT-7528 and PT-7828 series industrial network devices where the firmware versions 4.0 and lower for PT-7528 and 3.9 and lower for PT-7828 are impacted. These devices are network appliances designed for industrial automation and control systems that typically require robust security measures to protect critical infrastructure operations. The weakness lies in the implementation of cryptographic algorithms within the firmware, which creates potential exposure for sensitive data transmission and storage within industrial environments.
This vulnerability represents a significant security concern as it utilizes weak cryptographic algorithms that can be readily compromised by adversaries with moderate technical capabilities. The affected devices employ encryption methods that do not meet current security standards, potentially allowing attackers to intercept and decrypt sensitive communications between industrial control systems and their management interfaces. The weakness directly relates to the cryptographic implementation within the device firmware, which may include insufficient key lengths, outdated encryption protocols, or flawed cryptographic algorithm selection that fails to provide adequate protection for confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as industrial control systems rely heavily on secure communications to maintain operational integrity and prevent unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially gain access to configuration data, operational parameters, or other sensitive information that could be used to disrupt industrial processes, compromise system integrity, or facilitate more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects the confidentiality aspect of information security as defined by the CIA triad, where the weak cryptographic implementation creates opportunities for unauthorized disclosure of sensitive operational data.
The technical flaw manifests in the firmware's use of cryptographic algorithms that have been identified as insufficient for modern security requirements. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-327 which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and CWE-310 which covers cryptographic issues in general. The implementation likely involves outdated encryption standards such as DES, RC4, or other algorithms that have known weaknesses and are vulnerable to modern cryptanalytic techniques. The vulnerability affects the device's ability to properly secure communications and data storage, creating potential attack vectors for adversaries targeting industrial control systems.
Security professionals should consider implementing immediate mitigations including firmware updates to versions that address the cryptographic weaknesses, network segmentation to limit exposure, and enhanced monitoring of communications between affected devices and their management interfaces. The ATT&CK framework identifies this vulnerability as potentially exploitable through techniques such as credential access and defense evasion, where attackers could leverage weak encryption to gain unauthorized access to system configurations or operational data. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive assessments of their industrial control systems to identify all affected devices and implement layered security controls to reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing proper security controls in industrial environments where the compromise of communication security can have significant operational and safety implications.