1. Introduction
The Advantech WebAccess Default Credential Check vulnerability affects systems running the Advantech WebAccess web application with default credentials enabled. This allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the web administration interface, potentially leading to full system compromise. Confidentiality, integrity and availability may be impacted if exploited successfully.
2. Technical Explanation
The remote web administration interface for Advantech WebAccess uses a known default set of credentials (‘admin’ with no password). An attacker can exploit this by simply attempting to log in using these default credentials. No specific CVE is currently associated, but the issue stems from an unsafe default configuration.
- Root cause: The use of hardcoded default credentials without requiring initial password change.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to login with the ‘admin’ username and a blank password. If successful, they gain administrative access to the WebAccess interface.
- Scope: Advantech WebAccess web application installations using default settings are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm if a system is vulnerable by checking for the presence of the WebAccess administration interface and attempting login with default credentials.
- Quick checks: Access the WebAccess administration interface in a web browser (typically on port 8080).
- Scanning: Nessus vulnerability ID 139564 can detect this issue. This is an example only, and other scanners may also provide detection capabilities.
- Logs and evidence: Check application logs for successful logins with the ‘admin’ user without a password.
# No command available to directly confirm exposure from the OS level. Accessing the web interface is required.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The solution involves setting a strong password for the default ‘admin’ user.
4.1 Preparation
- Dependencies: Ensure you have access to the WebAccess administration interface. A change window may be required depending on service criticality.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the Advantech WebAccess administration interface using default credentials (if possible).
- Step 2: Navigate to the ‘User Management’ or similar section within the administration interface.
- Step 3: Locate the ‘admin’ user account.
- Step 4: Change the password for the ‘admin’ account to a strong, unique password.
- Step 5: Log out and verify that you can no longer log in with default credentials.
4.3 Config or Code Example
This vulnerability is addressed through UI configuration changes rather than code modification.
Before
No password set for the 'admin' user account.After
A strong, unique password has been configured for the 'admin' user account.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
- Least privilege: Limit access to administrative interfaces and accounts only to authorized personnel.
- Safe defaults: Avoid using default credentials in any system or application.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No suitable automation script is available for this vulnerability due to the UI-based configuration change.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt to login with ‘admin’ and a blank password; access should be denied.
- Re-test: Repeat the initial detection steps (accessing the web interface) and confirm that default credentials no longer work.
- Smoke test: Verify that authorized users can still log in using their new credentials.
- Monitoring: Check application logs for failed login attempts with the ‘admin’ user, which may indicate brute-force attacks.
Attempt to access WebAccess administration interface with default credentials should result in an authentication failure.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
- Baselines: Update security baselines to include a requirement for changing default passwords on all systems.
- Pipelines: Implement configuration scanning tools that flag systems using default credentials.
- Asset and patch process: Regularly review system configurations for known vulnerabilities, including default credentials.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
- Risk or side effect 1: Incorrect password configuration could lock out administrators. Ensure the new password is documented securely.
- Roll back: If you forget the new password, a system restore to the pre-change snapshot may be required.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: No official vendor advisory available at this time.
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE associated with this vulnerability.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: Advantech WebAccess Documentation