CVE-2026-55395 in Aware2
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2026
Hardcoded passwords in the access control in Teledyne FLIR Aware2 versions through 6.9.0.2 (PackBot) and 1.7.9 (FirstLook) allows remote unauthenticated attackers to access and reconfigure Teledyne FLIR PackBot and FirstLook robots running this software via reading the passwords from the firmware or documentation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2026
The vulnerability identified in Teledyne FLIR Aware2 software, specifically affecting versions through 6.9.0.2 for PackBot systems and 1.7.9 for FirstLook units, represents a critical failure in access control mechanisms due to the presence of hardcoded credentials within the firmware or associated documentation. This flaw allows remote unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to the robotic platforms by simply reading these static passwords from publicly available sources such as firmware binaries or user manuals. The existence of default or hard-coded administrative credentials is a well-documented security anti-pattern that fundamentally undermines the integrity and confidentiality of embedded systems, particularly those deployed in sensitive operational environments where physical accessibility may be limited but network exposure exists.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of authentication protocols within the device's management interface. Instead of utilizing dynamic credential generation or enforcing strong password policies during initial setup, the system relies on static secrets embedded directly into the software build process. This approach violates fundamental security principles by ensuring that every instance of the software ships with identical access credentials. Attackers can exploit this by performing network reconnaissance to identify devices running vulnerable versions and then attempting authentication using known default passwords extracted from firmware analysis or public documentation repositories. Once authenticated, attackers obtain full administrative control over the robot's operational parameters, allowing them to reconfigure navigation paths, sensor settings, communication channels, and other critical functions without any form of legitimate authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly given the nature of Teledyne FLIR PackBot and FirstLook robots which are often deployed in high-stakes scenarios including military operations, hazardous material handling, search and rescue missions, and industrial inspection tasks. Unauthorized reconfiguration can lead to mission failure, physical damage to equipment, or even safety hazards if the robot is directed into dangerous environments under attacker control. Furthermore, compromised devices may be used as pivot points for lateral movement within a network, potentially exposing other connected systems to further exploitation. The ability to remotely alter operational parameters means that an adversary could disrupt critical infrastructure monitoring or sabotage autonomous operations with minimal technical effort once the hardcoded credentials are known.
This issue aligns closely with CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials, which categorizes vulnerabilities where static authentication data is embedded in code or configuration files rather than being managed securely through a dedicated credential management system. Additionally, from an adversary behavior perspective, this vulnerability facilitates initial access and privilege escalation techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to valid accounts obtained through information discovery methods such as firmware analysis or documentation review. The exploitation path is straightforward and does not require complex exploit development, making it a high-risk target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers alike.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate remediation of the hardcoded credential issue by updating to patched versions of Aware2 software that enforce unique per-device credentials or challenge-response authentication mechanisms. Organizations deploying these robots should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to management interfaces from untrusted networks, ensuring that only authorized administrative stations can communicate with the robotic platforms. Regular firmware audits and penetration testing focused on default credential checks are essential for maintaining security posture. Furthermore, manufacturers must adopt secure development lifecycle practices that prohibit hardcoding secrets in favor of using hardware-backed key storage or secure enclaves to manage authentication data dynamically during device provisioning processes.