CVE-2023-46706 in FeverWarn
Summary
by MITRE • 02/02/2024
Multiple MachineSense devices have credentials unable to be changed by the user or administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
This vulnerability affects multiple MachineSense devices where authentication credentials cannot be modified by either end users or system administrators, creating a persistent security weakness that undermines the fundamental principle of access control. The inability to change credentials represents a critical flaw in authentication management that directly violates security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in cwe-798 which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials and cwe-259 which covers weak password requirements. The vulnerability creates a situation where compromised credentials remain valid indefinitely, providing attackers with persistent access to affected systems and eliminating the ability to respond to credential compromise through standard password rotation procedures. This weakness is particularly concerning in industrial environments where MachineSense devices often operate as critical infrastructure components, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking long-term access to operational technology networks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of authentication management functions within the device firmware or software interfaces. When users or administrators cannot modify credentials, it typically indicates that the underlying authentication system lacks proper administrative controls or that the credential update mechanisms have been disabled or broken. This flaw can manifest through various technical pathways including hardcoded default credentials that cannot be altered, missing or disabled password change interfaces, or restrictive access controls that prevent authorized personnel from modifying authentication parameters. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the attack tree framework where adversaries can leverage persistent access through compromised credentials, as described in attack technique t1078 which covers valid accounts and t1566 which addresses credential access through social engineering or system exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential management issues to encompass broader security posture degradation and compliance violations. Organizations using MachineSense devices face significant risks including unauthorized access to industrial control systems, potential data breaches, and compromised operational integrity that could lead to production disruptions or safety hazards. The inability to change credentials creates a persistent backdoor that attackers can exploit without detection, potentially allowing them to maintain access for extended periods while conducting reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or system manipulation activities. This vulnerability also complicates incident response procedures since standard credential compromise response measures become ineffective, forcing organizations to rely on more invasive remediation techniques such as device reconfiguration or replacement.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation actions including device firmware updates from MachineSense manufacturers when available, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to affected devices, and establishment of monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication where possible, and establish regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other industrial control system components. The remediation approach should align with nist cybersecurity framework guidelines for managing access control and incident response, ensuring that organizations can effectively respond to credential-related threats while maintaining operational continuity. Regular security awareness training for personnel managing these devices is also essential to ensure proper handling of authentication credentials and recognition of potential security threats.