CVE-2020-7000 in VBASE Editor
Summary
by MITRE
VISAM VBASE Editor version 11.5.0.2 and VBASE Web-Remote Module may allow an unauthenticated attacker to discover the cryptographic key from the web server and gain information about the login and the encryption/decryption mechanism, which may be exploited to bypass authentication of the HTML5 HMI web interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7000 affects VISAM VBASE Editor version 11.5.0.2 and the VBASE Web-Remote Module, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of industrial control systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the web server configuration, allowing unauthenticated attackers to extract cryptographic keys through improper access controls. The issue specifically targets the HTML5 HMI web interface, which serves as the primary user interaction point for industrial process control systems, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking unauthorized access to critical infrastructure operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a weakness in the web server's response handling and key management practices, which can be categorized under CWE-310 - Cryptographic Issues. Attackers can exploit this flaw to obtain sensitive information about the login mechanisms and encryption/decryption processes used by the system. The vulnerability enables information disclosure that can be leveraged to understand the underlying cryptographic protocols, potentially allowing for more sophisticated attacks such as man-in-the-middle operations or session hijacking. The flaw exists in the web server's configuration where cryptographic keys are exposed through improper access controls or insecure key storage mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass authentication measures that should protect the industrial interface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to industrial control systems that rely on VBASE Editor for monitoring and control operations. The ability to bypass authentication of the HTML5 HMI web interface means that unauthorized individuals can gain access to process control information and potentially manipulate system operations without proper authorization. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it allows attackers to circumvent legitimate authentication processes, and T1566 - Phishing, as the initial compromise could involve social engineering to gain initial access. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise and operational disruption of critical industrial processes.
Security mitigations for CVE-2020-7000 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper access controls and cryptographic key management practices. Organizations must ensure that cryptographic keys are properly secured through hardware security modules or secure key storage solutions, preventing exposure through web server configurations. The web server should be configured with appropriate authentication mechanisms that enforce strong access controls, and all unnecessary services should be disabled to reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate industrial control systems from general network access, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in industrial control system components. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper monitoring and logging of access attempts to detect potential exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that all systems are updated to the latest security patches provided by the vendor to address this specific vulnerability and related cryptographic weaknesses.