CVE-2023-40707 in SNAP PAC S1
Summary
by MITRE • 08/24/2023
There are no requirements for setting a complex password in the built-in web server of the SNAP PAC S1 Firmware version R10.3b, which could allow for a successful brute force attack if users don't set up complex credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40707 resides within the SNAP PAC S1 Firmware version R10.3b, specifically affecting the built-in web server component that serves as the primary interface for system administration and configuration. This weakness represents a critical oversight in the firmware's authentication mechanism where the system fails to enforce password complexity requirements, creating an exploitable condition that significantly weakens the overall security posture of the device. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and authentication security controls by allowing users to set weak credentials that can be easily compromised through automated attack vectors.
The technical flaw manifests as the absence of mandatory password strength validation within the web server's user authentication framework. This absence creates a scenario where users can establish accounts with simple passwords such as "123456", "password", or other commonly used weak credentials without any system-enforced restrictions. The vulnerability stems from the lack of implementation for password complexity policies that should be enforced at the point of account creation or modification, typically governed by security standards such as nist 800-63b and iso 27001. From an attack perspective, this weakness enables adversaries to conduct brute force or dictionary attacks with significantly reduced time and computational overhead, as the system does not enforce the minimum complexity requirements that would normally deter such automated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the security of the entire SNAP PAC S1 system. An attacker who successfully gains access through weak credentials can potentially escalate privileges, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or even disrupt operations by manipulating the industrial control system. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques categorized under mitre att&ck matrix tactic initial access and privilege escalation, specifically targeting credential access and defense evasion techniques. Organizations utilizing this firmware may experience unauthorized access to their industrial control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, data breaches, or even physical safety risks in environments where these devices control critical infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through firmware updates provided by the vendor, which should include mandatory password complexity enforcement and potentially account lockout mechanisms to prevent brute force attempts. System administrators should conduct comprehensive credential audits to identify and strengthen existing weak passwords, while implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and regular security monitoring to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing security by design principles and adherence to established security frameworks, as it represents a failure to incorporate basic authentication security requirements that are fundamental to protecting industrial control systems from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.