External risk intelligence

Echelon SmartServer Authentication Bypass Vulnerability.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2018-8859

Certain Echelon devices, including SmartServer and i.LON products, have a flaw that allows unauthorized access by bypassing authentication controls. This occurs when attackers manipulate directory names. The risk involves unauthorized access to systems and potential data compromise.

4Halo Surface Signal

Authentication Bypass

Echelon Smartserver 1 Firmware

before 4.11.007

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2018-8859

The affected products are industrial control system gateways and servers designed to manage remote communication and data connectivity. These devices are frequently deployed as edge gateways or management interfaces to bridge local control networks with external or wide-area networks, making them commonly reachable in operational technology deployment patterns.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Certain Echelon devices, including SmartServer and i.LON products, contain a flaw that could allow unauthorized access. This vulnerability arises from how the system handles directory names, permitting an attacker to bypass security checks by providing specially crafted input. Exploitation could lead to significant compromise of system integrity and data confidentiality.

  • Vulnerable Echelon SmartServer and i.LON devices
  • Authentication bypass via directory naming
  • Unauthorized access and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can bypass authentication on Echelon SmartServer and i.LON devices. This is achieved by manipulating directory names to circumvent security configurations. The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to the system.

  • Systems exposed to the network.
  • Attacker bypasses authentication.
  • Attacker gains control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass authentication by manipulating directory access requests. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access, modification, or exposure of sensitive data. The risk is high due to the potential for significant business disruption and data compromise.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability could allow an unauthorized attacker to bypass authentication controls on specific Echelon devices. This bypass is achieved by manipulating directory names during access requests, potentially exposing sensitive system functions or data. The impact could include unauthorized access and control over industrial systems.

  • Locate Echelon SmartServer 1, SmartServer 2, and i.LON 100 devices.
  • Restrict network access to these devices.
  • Apply vendor updates and confirm their implementation.

Frequently asked questions

What are Echelon SmartServer and i.LON products used for?

Echelon SmartServer and i.LON devices function as industrial control system gateways and servers. They are designed to manage remote communication and facilitate data connectivity within operational technology environments, bridging local control networks with broader network infrastructures.

How does CVE-2018-8859 facilitate an authentication bypass on Echelon devices?

CVE-2018-8859 is classified under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass) and CWE-287 (Improper Authentication). An attacker can circumvent security measures by appending extra characters to a directory name when requesting access to resources, thereby bypassing the intended authentication.

What is the trigger path for the Echelon SmartServer authentication bypass vulnerability?

The vulnerability is triggered when an attacker provides a directory name containing extra characters during an access request. This manipulates the system's handling of directory specifications, allowing the bypass of configured security restrictions for authentication.

What is the relevance of CVE-2018-8859 to industrial control systems?

CVE-2018-8859 affects Echelon SmartServer and i.LON devices, which are critical components in industrial control systems for managing remote communication and data. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized access and compromise of operational technology environments, posing a significant risk to industrial operations.

What practical steps should be taken to address the Echelon SmartServer vulnerability?

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should identify all instances of Echelon SmartServer 1, SmartServer 2, and i.LON 100 devices. It is crucial to restrict network access to these devices and apply any available vendor updates. Verifying the successful implementation of these updates is also essential.

References