CVE-2020-6995 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 application utilizes weak password requirements, which may allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6995 affects Moxa PT-7528 and PT-7828 series industrial network devices where firmware versions 4.0 and lower for PT-7528 and 3.9 and lower for PT-7828 are impacted. These devices are network communication appliances designed for industrial environments and are commonly used for data collection, monitoring, and control applications in critical infrastructure sectors. The weakness lies in the authentication mechanism implementation where the system allows weak password policies to be configured, creating significant security risks for industrial control systems and network infrastructure.
This vulnerability represents a classic implementation flaw in authentication mechanisms that directly relates to CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements. The affected devices fail to enforce strong password policies, allowing users to set passwords that are easily guessable or susceptible to brute force attacks. The weak password requirements can include allowing passwords with minimal length, lack of complexity requirements, or permitting commonly used default passwords that remain unchanged after device deployment. This flaw exists at the application layer where user authentication controls are implemented, making it a direct target for credential-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for industrial environments where these devices operate. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can gain unauthorized access to network monitoring and control systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access as these devices often serve as gateways to larger industrial networks, providing attackers with potential lateral movement capabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 Credential Stuffing and T1110.001 Brute Force, as attackers can leverage weak passwords to gain persistent access to industrial control systems. The threat is particularly concerning in critical infrastructure environments where such devices may control processes that require high availability and security.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including mandatory password policy enforcement, regular password updates, and account lockout mechanisms. The most effective immediate remediation involves upgrading to firmware versions that address the weak password requirements, though this may require careful planning due to potential operational disruptions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential impact if credentials are compromised. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected devices and implement monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management and adherence to industrial security standards such as NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443 for industrial automation and control systems.