CVE-2023-35697 in ICR890-4
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2023
Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts in the SICK ICR890-4 could allow a remote attacker to brute-force user credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2023
The CVE-2023-35697 vulnerability affects the SICK ICR890-4 industrial device, which is a smart camera used in various industrial automation and security applications. This device operates within critical infrastructure environments where authentication controls are essential for maintaining operational integrity and preventing unauthorized access. The vulnerability stems from inadequate protection mechanisms that fail to properly restrict authentication attempts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit weak access controls. The SICK ICR890-4 is commonly deployed in manufacturing facilities, surveillance systems, and industrial monitoring applications where it serves as a key component for image processing and automated decision-making.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability manifests as a lack of effective rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms during the authentication process. When an attacker attempts to log into the device using various credential combinations, the system does not adequately monitor or restrict the frequency of these attempts. This absence of proper authentication controls allows for brute-force attacks to proceed without significant hindrance, enabling attackers to systematically test numerous username and password combinations until they successfully gain access. The vulnerability specifically impacts the device's web interface and remote management capabilities, which are typically used for configuration changes, firmware updates, and monitoring functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within industrial environments where the SICK ICR890-4 serves as a critical component in automated systems. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to the device, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could modify camera settings, alter surveillance parameters, or even disable security features that protect industrial processes. This access could facilitate more extensive attacks within the industrial network, as the compromised device might serve as a foothold for lateral movement. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects devices that are often deployed in environments with limited network segmentation and monitoring capabilities, making detection of unauthorized access more difficult.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enabling account lockout policies, implementing rate limiting mechanisms, and configuring network access controls to restrict remote management access to trusted networks only. The device should be configured to enforce strong authentication practices and regular credential rotation. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate industrial devices from general corporate networks, following the principle of least privilege access. Additionally, organizations should monitor for unusual authentication patterns and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify brute-force attack attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for Brute Force, highlighting the need for robust authentication controls in industrial environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial control systems, as the SICK ICR890-4 represents a common target for attackers seeking access to industrial networks.