CVE-2020-7513 in Easergy T300
Summary
by MITRE
A CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information vulnerability exists in Easergy T300 (Firmware version 1.5.2 and older) which could allow an attacker to intercept traffic and read configuration data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7513 represents a critical cleartext storage weakness classified under CWE-312, affecting Easergy T300 devices running firmware version 1.5.2 or earlier. This issue fundamentally stems from the device's failure to encrypt sensitive configuration data during storage or transmission processes, creating an exploitable condition that exposes critical system information to unauthorized parties. The Easergy T300 is a network management device commonly used in industrial control systems and power distribution environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
The technical flaw manifests in the device's communication protocols where sensitive information including configuration parameters, network settings, and potentially authentication credentials are transmitted and stored in unencrypted formats. This cleartext exposure occurs at multiple layers within the device's operational stack, from initial configuration processes through ongoing network communications. Attackers can exploit this weakness by intercepting network traffic using standard packet sniffing tools or by gaining physical access to the device's storage mechanisms. The vulnerability creates a direct pathway for attackers to obtain detailed system configurations that could reveal network topology, device identifiers, and operational parameters that are typically considered confidential.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly undermines the security posture of industrial environments relying on Easergy T300 devices. The ability to intercept and read configuration data enables attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities that could lead to more sophisticated attacks including lateral movement within networks, privilege escalation, and targeted attacks against connected systems. The exposure of configuration information provides attackers with valuable intelligence about device capabilities, network structure, and potential attack vectors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1082 System Information Discovery, as it enables adversaries to gather critical system information without requiring advanced exploitation techniques.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2020-7513 requires immediate firmware updates to versions that implement proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive data storage and transmission. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all affected Easergy T300 devices within their networks and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk assessment. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on cleartext data transmission patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of adhering to security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 control SC-8 (Transmission Confidentiality and Integrity) and ISO/IEC 27001 controls related to information security management. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar cleartext storage issues in other industrial control systems and network devices to prevent similar security incidents.