CVE-2021-45877 in GARO Wallbox GLB
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2022
Multiple versions of GARO Wallbox GLB/GTB/GTC are affected by hard coded credentials. A hardcoded credential exist in /etc/tomcat8/tomcat-user.xml, which allows attackers to gain authorized access and control the tomcat completely on port 8000 in the tomcat manger page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-45877 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple models of GARO Wallbox devices including GLB/GTB/GTC variants. This issue stems from the improper configuration of authentication credentials within the web application framework of these industrial IoT devices. The vulnerability manifests through the presence of hardcoded credentials embedded directly within the application configuration files, specifically within the tomcat-user.xml file located at /etc/tomcat8/ directory structure. This configuration practice violates fundamental security principles and creates an inherent backdoor that persists across device reboots and software updates, making it particularly dangerous for industrial control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the storage of default administrative credentials within the application's configuration file rather than utilizing dynamic or generated authentication mechanisms. When attackers discover these hardcoded credentials, they can directly access the tomcat manager interface running on port 8000, which provides full administrative control over the web application server. This level of access enables attackers to deploy malicious applications, modify existing web content, access sensitive data, and potentially escalate privileges within the device's operating environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the tomcat8 web server implementation commonly used in embedded industrial systems, where the default configuration includes these insecure credential patterns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of industrial IoT deployments. Attackers with knowledge of these hardcoded credentials can gain complete control over the device's web management interface, potentially leading to disruption of charging services, data exfiltration, or even physical safety impacts in industrial environments. The persistent nature of hardcoded credentials means that once discovered, the vulnerability remains exploitable until the device is physically reconfigured or replaced. This creates a significant risk for organizations managing multiple GARO Wallbox installations, as a single compromised device can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately disable or remove the tomcat manager application if it is not required for operations, or alternatively, change the hardcoded credentials to strong, unique passwords that are properly managed through secure configuration processes. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting access to the tomcat manager interface to only authorized personnel with legitimate administrative needs. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credential issues across all industrial control systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials, and represents a clear violation of NIST SP 800-53 security controls related to system and information integrity. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious file execution, as attackers can leverage these credentials to establish persistent access and deploy malicious payloads within the industrial control environment.