CVE-2020-7003 in ioLogik 2500
Summary
by MITRE
In Moxa ioLogik 2500 series firmware, Version 3.0 or lower, and IOxpress configuration utility, Version 2.3.0 or lower, sensitive information is transmitted over some web applications in clear text.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7003 affects Moxa ioLogik 2500 series industrial devices and their associated IOxpress configuration utility software. This security flaw resides in firmware versions 3.0 and earlier, as well as IOxpress configuration utility versions 2.3.0 and earlier, creating a significant exposure for industrial control systems. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of sensitive data transmission within web-based interfaces, where critical operational information flows through unencrypted channels, making it susceptible to interception and exploitation by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through clear text transmission of sensitive information over web applications, which directly violates fundamental security principles for industrial communication protocols. According to CWE-312, this represents a weakness where sensitive data is stored or transmitted without adequate protection, and the flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The affected web applications fail to implement proper encryption mechanisms such as TLS/SSL, leaving authentication credentials, configuration parameters, and operational data exposed to network sniffing attacks. This clear text transmission creates an attack surface that allows adversaries to capture and analyze network traffic to extract confidential information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of industrial control systems. Attackers who intercept the clear text communications can gain unauthorized access to device configuration settings, user credentials, and potentially sensitive operational data that could be used for further exploitation or system disruption. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial environments where Moxa devices are deployed for process control, monitoring, and automation, where the exposure of configuration data could lead to operational compromises, unauthorized system modifications, or even physical safety risks. The attack surface is further expanded due to the widespread use of these devices in critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and utilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7003 require immediate implementation of firmware and software updates to versions that address the clear text transmission flaw. Organizations should deploy network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts, while also implementing network access controls to limit exposure. The remediation process must include verification that all web-based communication channels now utilize encrypted protocols such as HTTPS with strong TLS versions, ensuring that sensitive information is properly protected during transmission. Additionally, security awareness training for personnel managing these industrial devices is crucial to prevent configuration errors that might reintroduce the vulnerability, and regular security assessments should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls against similar clear text transmission vulnerabilities in industrial environments.