CVE-2020-7590 in DCA Vantage Analyzer
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2020
A vulnerability has been identified in DCA Vantage Analyzer (All versions < V4.5 are affected by CVE-2020-7590. In addition, serial numbers < 40000 running software V4.4.0 are also affected by CVE-2020-15797). Affected devices use a hard-coded password to protect the onboard database. This could allow an attacker to read and or modify the onboard database. Successful exploitation requires direct physical access to the device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-7590 represents a critical security weakness in DCA Vantage Analyzer devices that has significant implications for industrial control systems and embedded database security. This issue affects all versions of the DCA Vantage Analyzer software prior to version 4.5, with additional affected units including serial numbers below 40000 running software version 4.4.0. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the implementation of a hard-coded password mechanism that is embedded within the device firmware, creating a persistent security flaw that remains active regardless of system updates or user configuration changes.
The technical flaw manifests as a hardcoded credential that provides unauthorized access to the onboard database without requiring any authentication or authorization processes. This type of vulnerability is classified as a weakness in the design phase of the software development lifecycle and aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications. The presence of such hardcoded passwords represents a fundamental security misconfiguration that violates industry best practices and creates a backdoor access mechanism that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that exploitation requires only direct physical access to the device, which is often achievable in industrial environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. An attacker with physical access can leverage this hard-coded password to read sensitive data stored in the onboard database, potentially exposing operational parameters, configuration settings, or other critical information that could be used for further attacks or system compromise. Additionally, the vulnerability allows for modification of database contents, which could lead to data integrity violations, system misconfiguration, or even operational disruption of the monitored processes.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is limited to physical access scenarios, but this constraint does not diminish its severity in industrial control environments where physical security is often inadequate or where insider threats exist. This weakness can be categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a credential access technique, specifically related to the use of hardcoded credentials. The vulnerability affects industrial environments where DCA Vantage Analyzer devices are deployed for process monitoring and data collection, potentially exposing critical infrastructure to unauthorized database manipulation and information disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7590 should focus on immediate software upgrades to version 4.5 or later, which would eliminate the hardcoded password mechanism and implement proper authentication controls. Organizations should also implement enhanced physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to affected devices, including secure device enclosures, access controls, and monitoring procedures. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential hardcoded credentials or security misconfigurations within industrial control systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper secure coding practices and the need for robust authentication mechanisms in embedded systems, particularly those operating in critical infrastructure environments where security failures can have significant operational and safety implications.