CVE-2024-40116 in 1000
Summary
by MITRE • 07/26/2024
An issue in Solar-Log 1000 before v2.8.2 and build 52-23.04.2013 was discovered to store plaintext passwords in the export.html, email.html, and sms.html files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-40116 affects Solar-Log 1000 devices running firmware versions prior to v2.8.2 and build 52-23.04.2013. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper configuration management. The affected system stores plaintext passwords within web configuration files, specifically in export.html, email.html, and sms.html components, creating a persistent exposure risk for system administrators and users who interact with these interfaces. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential handling and access control management, as it provides unauthorized parties with immediate access to authentication information without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the application's failure to properly encrypt or obfuscate authentication credentials within web interface configuration files. When these HTML files are generated or modified, the system writes plaintext passwords directly into the document structure, making them accessible through simple file inspection or web browser viewing. This design decision creates a persistent exposure point where any individual with access to the device's file system or web interface can retrieve these credentials without requiring advanced exploitation methods. The vulnerability falls under CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials), both of which are categorized under the OWASP Top Ten as critical security risks. The weakness is particularly concerning because it affects configuration files that are inherently part of the web application's delivery mechanism, meaning the credentials are exposed not only to local system users but potentially to remote attackers who can access the web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security compromise scenarios. Attackers who gain access to these plaintext credentials can establish persistent access to the Solar-Log 1000 system, potentially enabling them to manipulate energy monitoring data, modify system configurations, or use the compromised credentials for lateral movement within networks where these devices are deployed. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to leverage the compromised credentials for privilege escalation, as these credentials likely provide administrative access to the device's web interface and underlying system functions. This exposure directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 (Phishing for Information) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) where attackers can harvest credentials through compromised system files rather than through more complex attack vectors.
Organizations utilizing Solar-Log 1000 devices should immediately implement emergency mitigation measures including firmware updates to version v2.8.2 or later, which addresses this vulnerability through proper credential encryption mechanisms. System administrators should conduct immediate inventory checks to identify all affected devices and verify that no plaintext credentials remain accessible in the identified HTML files. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to these devices, and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management practices and demonstrates why organizations must implement automated security scanning tools to identify similar exposure risks in their infrastructure. Regular security audits should include verification of credential storage practices and proper implementation of encryption mechanisms for sensitive data within web applications and configuration files.