CVE-2016-2275
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an improper access control vulnerability in Advantech/B+B SmartWorx VESP211 devices where the web interface relies on client-side JavaScript for access control. Remote attackers can bypass authentication and perform administrative actions by modifying JavaScript code. This affects VESP211-EU and VESP211-232 devices with specific firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Advantech/B+B SmartWorx VESP211-EU
- Advantech/B+B SmartWorx VESP211-232
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing attackers to reconfigure industrial control systems, disrupt operations, or use devices as entry points into industrial networks.
Likely Case
Unauthorized administrative access leading to configuration changes, service disruption, or data exfiltration from connected systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are isolated in segmented networks with strict firewall rules and monitored for unauthorized access attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only web browser access and basic JavaScript modification skills. No authentication required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Contact vendor for updated firmware
Vendor Advisory: https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/advisories/ICSA-16-049-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Contact Advantech/B+B SmartWorx for updated firmware. 2. Backup device configuration. 3. Apply firmware update following vendor instructions. 4. Verify update and restore configuration if needed.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network segmentation
allIsolate affected devices in separate network segments with strict firewall rules
Access control restrictions
allImplement IP-based access control lists to restrict web interface access to authorized management stations only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment devices in isolated VLANs with no internet access
- Implement strict firewall rules allowing only necessary traffic from authorized IP addresses
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device firmware version via web interface or serial console. If version matches affected versions, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check via web interface at /status or via serial console using appropriate vendor commandsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to non-vulnerable version. Test authentication bypass attempts should fail.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized administrative actions
- Configuration changes from unexpected IP addresses
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful administrative actions
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with modified JavaScript parameters
- Administrative API calls from non-management IPs
SIEM Query:
source_ip NOT IN (authorized_management_ips) AND (uri CONTAINS 'admin' OR uri CONTAINS 'config') AND response_code=200