CVE-2023-29155 in ME RTU
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2023
Versions of INEA ME RTU firmware 3.36b and prior do not require authentication to the "root" account on the host system of the device. This could allow an attacker to obtain admin-level access to the host system.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-29155 affects INEA ME RTU firmware versions 3.36b and earlier, presenting a critical security weakness that undermines the device's authentication mechanisms. This flaw resides in the host system's account management configuration where the root account lacks proper authentication requirements, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized users to gain administrative privileges without legitimate credentials. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in the device's security architecture, as the root account serves as the highest privilege level within the operating system and provides complete control over all system functions and data.
This authentication bypass vulnerability stems from improper configuration of the system's user access controls and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in cybersecurity frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-255 - Credentials Management Vulnerability, specifically addressing weak authentication mechanisms that fail to properly validate user identities before granting administrative access. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that enables threat actors to execute arbitrary commands, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access within the network environment. The absence of authentication requirements for the root account effectively eliminates the primary defense mechanism that should protect against unauthorized administrative access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's host system and potentially enables lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this access to install malware, modify system files, establish backdoors, or exfiltrate confidential information from connected systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial control systems environments where INEA ME RTU devices are commonly deployed, as these systems often handle critical infrastructure operations and require robust security measures to prevent operational disruptions or safety hazards. According to MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1566 - Phishing, as it allows for credential compromise and unauthorized access to privileged system accounts.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including firmware updates to versions that address the authentication weakness, proper account configuration to enforce strong authentication requirements, and network segmentation to limit access to affected devices. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts and suspicious activities within the device's network environment. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar authentication weaknesses in other network components. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and privileged access management solutions can provide additional layers of security to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and following security guidelines established by industry standards and regulatory frameworks to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure systems.