CVE-2017-7931
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to access configuration files and application pages in ABB IP GATEWAY devices by accessing specific URLs. It affects ABB IP GATEWAY versions 3.39 and earlier. This is an authentication bypass vulnerability that exposes sensitive system information.
💻 Affected Systems
- ABB IP GATEWAY
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain full administrative access to industrial control systems, potentially modifying configurations, disrupting operations, or using the device as an entry point into critical infrastructure networks.
Likely Case
Unauthenticated attackers access sensitive configuration data, potentially exposing credentials, network settings, and system parameters that could facilitate further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact is limited to information disclosure without direct access to critical control systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires only web browser access to specific URLs without authentication. Public advisories provide sufficient detail for exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 3.40 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://new.abb.com/news/detail/5728/security-notice-regarding-abb-ip-gateway
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download firmware version 3.40 or later from ABB support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Upload new firmware via web interface. 4. Restart device. 5. Verify authentication is required for all URLs.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate ABB IP GATEWAY devices from untrusted networks using firewalls.
Access Control Lists
allImplement strict IP-based access controls to limit who can reach the web interface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate affected devices from untrusted networks
- Deploy web application firewall rules to block access to sensitive URLs without authentication
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Attempt to access configuration URLs without authentication: http://[device-ip]/config or similar sensitive paths. If accessible without login, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check web interface login page or system information page for firmware version. Should show 3.40 or higher.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify that accessing configuration URLs requires authentication and returns appropriate access denied responses.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthenticated access to configuration URLs
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful configuration access
Network Indicators:
- HTTP GET requests to /config, /settings, or similar paths without preceding authentication
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (url="/config" OR url="/settings") AND NOT (user!="anonymous" OR auth_success="true")