CVE-2023-42493 in Scada
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
EisBaer Scada - CWE-256: Plaintext Storage of a Password
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2026
The EisBaer Scada system presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CWE-256, which involves the plaintext storage of passwords within its configuration files and database components. This flaw fundamentally compromises the system's authentication security model by storing credentials in an easily readable format rather than implementing proper cryptographic protection mechanisms. The vulnerability exists across multiple components including user account management modules, administrative interfaces, and backend database structures where password hashes should be implemented but are instead stored as plain text. This design oversight creates a significant attack surface that directly violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows threat actors with access to system files or database contents to immediately retrieve valid user credentials without requiring additional cracking or brute force attempts. Attackers can leverage this weakness through various vectors including unauthorized file system access, database infiltration, or privilege escalation techniques that bypass normal authentication mechanisms. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as these plaintext passwords often provide access to critical industrial control systems where administrative privileges may be granted, potentially enabling full system compromise and operational disruption. This vulnerability particularly affects the CIA triad by weakening confidentiality controls and creating potential for unauthorized access to sensitive operational data within SCADA environments.
The operational implications of this flaw are severe in industrial control environments where EisBaer Scada systems manage critical infrastructure operations. Once exploited, attackers can maintain persistent access to control systems, potentially leading to operational disruptions, safety hazards, or even physical damage to equipment. The vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential harvesting and T1078 for valid accounts usage, providing threat actors with legitimate access paths that bypass normal security controls. Organizations using this system face increased risk of targeted attacks from both nation-state actors and criminal organizations seeking to exploit industrial control systems for financial gain or operational disruption.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate implementation of proper password hashing mechanisms using industry-standard algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2 with appropriate salt values. System administrators must conduct comprehensive security audits to identify all locations where plaintext passwords are stored and implement cryptographic protection for existing credentials through batch processing. The remediation process should include database schema modifications, application code updates, and implementation of secure credential management practices that align with NIST SP 800-63B standards for digital identity management. Additionally, organizations should establish continuous monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts and implement multi-factor authentication mechanisms to reduce the impact of any compromised credentials. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure proper implementation of these security controls and maintain compliance with industrial control system security frameworks such as IEC 62443 and NERC CIP standards.