CVE-2023-29447 in Kepware KepServerEX
Summary
by MITRE • 01/10/2024
An insufficiently protected credentials vulnerability in KEPServerEX could allow an adversary to capture user credentials as the web server uses basic authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2024
The vulnerability described represents a critical security flaw in KEPServerEX software where user credentials are transmitted using basic authentication without adequate protection mechanisms. This weakness exposes sensitive authentication data to potential interception and exploitation by malicious actors who can capture login credentials during network communication. The fundamental issue lies in the absence of proper encryption or additional authentication layers that would normally protect credential transmission in web-based systems.
This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficiently protected credentials as defined by CWE-312, which specifically addresses cases where sensitive data is exposed due to inadequate protection measures. The weakness creates an attack surface that aligns with multiple tactics and techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and initial access vectors. Adversaries can leverage this flaw to perform credential stuffing attacks or gain unauthorized access to industrial control systems that rely on KEPServerEX for connectivity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it potentially enables attackers to compromise entire industrial networks that depend on the affected server for communication with various endpoints. When basic authentication is employed without transport layer security such as TLS encryption, all transmitted credentials become vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, packet sniffing, and other network-based reconnaissance techniques. The risk is particularly elevated in industrial environments where KEPServerEX typically operates as a critical component for connecting legacy devices to modern control systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mandatory transport layer security protocols including TLS 1.2 or higher to encrypt all communication channels between clients and the web server. Network segmentation strategies should be employed to isolate the affected system from other network segments, while regular security audits should monitor for unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms and credential rotation policies will significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process must also include comprehensive network monitoring to detect suspicious activities that may indicate credential capture or unauthorized access attempts.