CVE-2026-21660 in Frick Controls Quantum HD
Summary
by MITRE • 02/27/2026
Hardcoded Email Credentials Saved as Plaintext in Firmware (CWE-256: Plaintext Storage of a Password) vulnerability in Frick Controls Quantum HD version 10.22 and prior lead to unauthorized access, exposure of sensitive information, and potential misuse or system compromise This issue affects Frick Controls Quantum HD version 10.22 and prior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2026-21660 represents a critical security flaw in Frick Controls Quantum HD systems where hardcoded email credentials are stored in plaintext within the device firmware. This issue falls under CWE-256 which specifically addresses the plaintext storage of passwords and authentication credentials. The vulnerability exists in all versions of the Quantum HD control system up to and including version 10.22, making a significant portion of deployed industrial control systems susceptible to exploitation. The presence of hardcoded credentials in firmware creates a persistent security risk because these credentials cannot be easily updated or changed without physical access to the device or complete firmware replacement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor security practices during the development lifecycle where developers embedded authentication credentials directly into the firmware code rather than implementing secure credential management mechanisms. These hardcoded credentials are typically stored in configuration files or memory segments that are accessible to anyone with physical access to the device or those who can perform firmware analysis. The plaintext nature of these credentials means that any attacker with access to the firmware can immediately extract and utilize these authentication details for email notifications, remote access, or other system functions that require email authentication. This flaw significantly undermines the security posture of industrial control systems that rely on email notifications for operational alerts, security incidents, or system status updates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive operational data. Attackers who obtain these hardcoded credentials can potentially intercept email notifications, send malicious emails from the system, or gain access to email accounts that may have broader network access privileges. In industrial environments, this could lead to unauthorized modification of system settings, disruption of critical processes, or even complete system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where email notifications are used for security alerts, as attackers could use these credentials to send false alarms or mask their actual malicious activities. This creates a scenario where the system's own notification mechanisms become attack vectors rather than security enhancements.
The risk assessment for this vulnerability is elevated due to its persistence in the firmware and the potential for widespread impact across multiple installations. Organizations deploying Frick Controls Quantum HD systems in industrial control environments face significant exposure, as these systems often operate in closed networks where traditional network-based attacks may be mitigated but physical access remains a concern. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 which covers credentials in files, and T1078 which addresses valid accounts. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from the vendor, physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other instances of hardcoded credentials within industrial control systems. The remediation process requires careful consideration of the operational impact of firmware updates and may necessitate temporary system downtime during the update process to ensure complete remediation of the hardcoded credential issue.