CVE-2023-45321 in ctrlX HMI Web Panel WR21
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The Android Client application, when enrolled with the define method 1 (the user manually inserts the server ip address), use HTTP protocol to retrieve sensitive information (ip address and credentials to connect to a remote MQTT broker entity) instead of HTTPS and this feature is not configurable by the user. Due to the lack of encryption of HTTP,this issue allows an attacker placed in the same subnet network of the HMI device to intercept username and password necessary to authenticate to the MQTT server responsible to implement the remote management protocol.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-45321 represents a critical security flaw in Android client applications that utilize the define method 1 for server configuration. This configuration method requires users to manually input the server IP address, which then triggers the application to establish communication with the remote server. The fundamental issue lies in the application's hardcoded reliance on the HTTP protocol for retrieving sensitive information, specifically the IP address and credentials required to connect to a remote MQTT broker entity. This design choice directly contravenes established security best practices and industry standards that mandate the use of encrypted communication channels for all sensitive data transmission.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper encryption mechanisms for network communications. When the Android client application employs HTTP instead of HTTPS for retrieving configuration data, it exposes all transmitted information to potential interception attacks. The MQTT broker credentials, including usernames and passwords, are transmitted in plaintext over the network, making them immediately accessible to any attacker within the same network subnet. This weakness creates a direct pathway for man-in-the-middle attacks and network sniffing operations, as the authentication tokens and server connection details are not encrypted during transit. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through network transmission, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in network communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of industrial control systems and human-machine interfaces that rely on these applications for remote management. An attacker positioned within the same subnet as the HMI device can easily intercept the network traffic and extract the MQTT broker credentials, enabling unauthorized access to the remote management protocols that control critical system functions. This access could potentially allow for system manipulation, data exfiltration, or disruption of industrial processes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in industrial environments where network segmentation may not be robust, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to gain unauthorized access to remote management systems without requiring sophisticated attack vectors or prior system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing mandatory encryption for all network communications, particularly those involving sensitive data transmission. The application must be modified to enforce HTTPS protocol usage for all server communication, ensuring that credentials and configuration data are encrypted during transmission. Network administrators should implement proper network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of sensitive systems to untrusted network segments. Additionally, the application should be configured to reject unencrypted HTTP connections and enforce secure communication protocols through mandatory TLS encryption. This remediation approach addresses the core issue identified in the vulnerability while aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which targets application layer protocol communication, and follows security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 controls that emphasize secure communication and data protection. Regular network monitoring and intrusion detection should be implemented to identify any attempts to exploit this vulnerability through unencrypted traffic interception.