CVE-2024-23766 in Anybus X-Gateway AB7832-F
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2024
An issue was discovered on HMS Anybus X-Gateway AB7832-F 3 devices. The gateway exposes a web interface on port 80. An unauthenticated GET request to a specific URL triggers the reboot of the Anybus gateway (or at least most of its modules). An attacker can use this feature to carry out a denial of service attack by continuously sending GET requests to that URL.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2025
The CVE-2024-23766 vulnerability affects HMS Anybus X-Gateway AB7832-F 3 devices, representing a critical security flaw in industrial networking equipment. This vulnerability manifests through an exposed web interface that operates on port 80, making it accessible to any network entity without authentication requirements. The device's web management interface lacks proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized users to execute administrative functions through simple HTTP GET requests. The specific URL endpoint triggers a system reboot function that affects most modules within the Anybus gateway, effectively disrupting industrial communication and control operations.
This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient access control where administrative functions are exposed without proper authentication checks. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, as attackers only need to send GET requests to the specific vulnerable endpoint. The device's configuration exposes critical system management functions through an unsecured web interface, violating fundamental security principles for industrial control systems and network infrastructure devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can severely compromise industrial automation and control systems. When an attacker continuously sends GET requests to trigger the reboot function, it creates a persistent denial of service condition that can render critical industrial communication pathways unavailable. This disruption affects the reliability of manufacturing processes, data collection systems, and real-time control operations that depend on stable network connectivity. The vulnerability particularly impacts environments where continuous operation is critical, such as production lines, process control systems, and facility automation networks where unexpected reboots can cause significant operational downtime and potential safety hazards.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate affected devices from critical operational networks, deploying firewalls to block external access to port 80 on these devices, and applying firmware updates from HMS when available. The ATT&CK framework's T1499.004 technique for network denial of service should be considered in threat modeling exercises, as this vulnerability enables similar attack patterns against industrial control systems. Additionally, implementing network monitoring to detect unusual patterns of GET requests to the affected URL can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of industrial network infrastructure should include verification of access controls on web interfaces and proper authentication mechanisms for all administrative functions.