CVE-2019-7226 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The ABB IDAL HTTP server contains a vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker to bypass authentication and access privileged functions through the CGI interface.

Understanding CVE-2019-7226

What is CVE-2019-7226?

The vulnerability in the ABB IDAL HTTP server enables attackers to bypass authentication and gain access to privileged functions by manipulating the /cgi/loginDefaultUser endpoint.

The Impact of CVE-2019-7226

The vulnerability allows unauthorized individuals to obtain session IDs, usernames, and plaintext passwords, potentially leading to unauthorized access and misuse of privileged operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-7226

Vulnerability Description

The CGI interface in the ABB IDAL HTTP server permits attackers to bypass authentication, establish authenticated sessions, and potentially reveal sensitive user information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ABB IDAL HTTP server
Vendor: ABB
Versions: All versions are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the /cgi/loginDefaultUser endpoint to establish authenticated sessions and gain access to privileged functions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or restrict access to the vulnerable CGI interface.
Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication.
Regularly monitor and audit server logs for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing.
Keep systems and software up to date with the latest security patches.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches or updates provided by ABB to address the authentication bypass vulnerability.