1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 8.7
- ATTENTION: Exploitable remotely/low attack complexity
- Vendor: Avtec
- Equipment: Outpost 0810, Outpost Uploader Utility
- Vulnerability: Storage of File with Sensitive Data Under Web Root, Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key
2. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to gain administrative privileges on the affected devices.
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following Avtec products are affected:
- Outpost 0810: Versions prior to v5.0.0
- Outpost Uploader Utility: Versions prior to v5.0.0
3.2 Vulnerability Overview
3.2.1 STORAGE OF FILE WITH SENSITIVE DATA UNDER WEB ROOT CWE-219
Avtec Outpost stores sensitive information in an insecure location without proper access controls in place.
CVE-2024-39776 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-39776. A base score of 8.7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).
3.2.2 USE OF HARD-CODED CRYPTOGRAPHIC KEY CWE-321
Avtec Outpost uses a default cryptographic key that can be used to decrypt sensitive information
CVE-2024-42418 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-42418. A base score of 8.7 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (CVSS4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).
3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Communications Sector
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: Worldwide
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States
3.4 RESEARCHER
Jonathan Fournier of Field Effect reported these vulnerabilities to CISA.
4. MITIGATIONS
Avtec recommends users update to Outpost v5.0 to resolve.
- When upgrading to Outpost Version 5.0.0 or later, reset the list of users to the default. More information and instructions can be found on Avtec’s Outpost Uploader Utility User Guide for more information.
- Restrict access to port 80 or disable web interface if possible.
Additionally, Avtec recommends checking devices for Scout firmware versions prior to 5.8.1, which was commonly coupled with Outpost firmware. If so, the devices may also need to be updated to the latest firmware. For more information, please visit Scout Release Notes.
CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of these vulnerabilities, such as:
- Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the internet.
- Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
- When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.
CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.
CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.
CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.
Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.
Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.
No known public exploitation specifically targeting these vulnerabilities has been reported to CISA at this time.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- August 22, 2024: Initial Publication