CVE-2021-40366 in Climatix POL909
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2021
A vulnerability has been identified in Climatix POL909 (AWM module) (All versions < V11.34). The web server of affected devices transmits data without TLS encryption. This could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker in a man-in-the-middle position to read sensitive data, such as administrator credentials, or modify data in transit.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2021
This vulnerability affects the Climatix POL909 device with AWM module running software versions prior to V11.34, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted through the device's web interface. The issue stems from the web server's failure to implement Transport Layer Security encryption, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to intercept and manipulate communications between clients and the affected device. The vulnerability specifically targets the web server component that handles administrative functions and data transmission, making it particularly dangerous for industrial control systems where device security is paramount. This weakness enables attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks without requiring authentication credentials, as the device itself does not enforce encrypted communication channels for its web interface.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the device's web server configuration where TLS encryption is either disabled or improperly configured, leaving all data transmitted through the web interface in plaintext format. This includes administrative credentials, system configuration parameters, and operational data that flows between the device and remote users. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have network access to the device, either through direct network connectivity or by positioning themselves within the network traffic path to intercept communications. The lack of encryption creates a pathway for attackers to capture session tokens, administrative passwords, and other sensitive information that would otherwise be protected by secure communication protocols. This weakness directly violates industry security standards and best practices for protecting sensitive data in transit, as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001 security requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as attackers can potentially manipulate system configurations, modify operational parameters, or escalate privileges within the device's administrative interface. The exposure of administrator credentials could lead to complete system compromise, allowing unauthorized users to gain full control over the Climatix POL909 device and potentially the broader network infrastructure it connects to. Industrial environments relying on such devices face significant risks including operational disruption, data breaches, and potential safety hazards if critical control parameters are modified. The vulnerability affects devices that are likely deployed in critical infrastructure environments where security is essential, making the potential impact of exploitation particularly severe. Organizations using these devices may experience unauthorized access to sensitive operational data, system configuration changes, and potential denial of service conditions that could affect industrial processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates to version V11.34 or later, which presumably includes proper TLS implementation for web server communications. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as network segmentation, access control lists, and monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper TLS encryption should be enforced through device configuration changes that mandate encrypted communication channels for all web interface access. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all affected devices and ensure that TLS is properly configured across all networked industrial control systems. According to CWE-319, this vulnerability relates to the exposure of sensitive information through inadequate encryption, while ATT&CK technique T1046 covers the use of network service scanning that could identify vulnerable devices. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control systems.