CVE-2018-16669 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability was found in CIRCONTROL Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) versions prior to 1.5.0, affecting CirCarLife, PowerStudio, and related products. This flaw allows unauthorized access to admin credentials stored in XML files.

Understanding CVE-2018-16669

This CVE entry highlights a security issue in CIRCONTROL OCPP versions before 1.5.0, potentially compromising the security of CirCarLife and PowerStudio products.

What is CVE-2018-16669?

The vulnerability arises from the storage of user credentials in XML files, enabling unauthorized users to retrieve admin credentials from the /services/config/config.xml file.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16669

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive admin credentials, posing a significant security risk to the affected systems and potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit the flaw.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16669

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in CIRCONTROL OCPP versions prior to 1.5.0 allows unauthorized users to access admin credentials by examining the /services/config/config.xml file where user credentials are stored.

Affected Systems and Versions

CIRCONTROL Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) versions prior to 1.5.0
CirCarLife, PowerStudio, and other related products

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit the vulnerability by accessing the XML files where user credentials are stored, gaining access to sensitive admin credentials.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-16669, immediate steps and long-term security practices are essential to enhance system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update CIRCONTROL OCPP to version 1.5.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability
Regularly monitor and restrict access to sensitive configuration files

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure credential storage mechanisms
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by CIRCONTROL to address the vulnerability and enhance system security