CVE-2023-0356 in MODULYS GP Netvision
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
SOCOMEC MODULYS GP Netvision versions 7.20 and prior lack strong encryption for credentials on HTTP connections, which could result in threat actors obtaining sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0356 affects SOCOMEC MODULYS GP Netvision versions 7.20 and earlier, presenting a significant security weakness in credential protection mechanisms. This issue specifically impacts the HTTP communication protocols used by the system, where credentials are transmitted without adequate encryption measures. The vulnerability represents a critical flaw in the application's security architecture, as it exposes sensitive authentication data to potential interception and exploitation by malicious actors. The affected system operates within industrial control environments where secure authentication is paramount for maintaining operational integrity and preventing unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The lack of robust encryption in HTTP connections creates an attack surface that adversaries can leverage to compromise system security and gain unauthorized access to protected resources.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of weak cryptographic practices within the HTTP communication framework of the MODULYS GP Netvision software. When credentials are transmitted over HTTP connections, they are typically sent in plaintext or with insufficient encryption protocols, making them susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks and network sniffing operations. This weakness aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials and authentication data. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in applying proper transport layer security measures, as the system does not enforce secure communication channels for credential transmission. This flaw essentially undermines the fundamental security principle of protecting sensitive information during transit, creating opportunities for threat actors to capture authentication tokens, user credentials, and other confidential data that should remain protected throughout the communication process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to industrial control environments. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain access to networked devices, potentially escalating privileges and moving laterally within the operational technology infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe in industrial settings where these systems control critical processes and equipment, as unauthorized access could result in operational disruption, safety hazards, or even physical damage to infrastructure. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for persistent threats to establish footholds within networks, potentially enabling long-term surveillance and data exfiltration activities. This weakness directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized parties to access sensitive information and potentially modify system configurations.
Organizations utilizing SOCOMEC MODULYS GP Netvision systems should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to versions that resolve the encryption weakness. The recommended approach involves enforcing secure communication protocols such as HTTPS with strong encryption standards, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and conducting comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, to provide defense-in-depth against credential compromise. The mitigation strategy should align with NIST cybersecurity frameworks and follow established best practices for securing industrial control systems. Organizations must also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The remediation process should include network traffic analysis to verify that credentials are no longer transmitted in plaintext over HTTP connections and that secure communication protocols are properly enforced throughout the system infrastructure.