CVE-2024-8070 Overview
CVE-2024-8070 is a cleartext storage vulnerability [CWE-312] affecting a Schneider Electric product. The firmware binary contains test credentials stored in plaintext. An attacker with local access to the device or firmware image can extract these credentials and use them to compromise the device.
The issue was disclosed in Schneider Electric security notice SEVD-2024-282-04. The vulnerability requires local access but does not require authentication or user interaction, and its scope extends beyond the vulnerable component itself.
Critical Impact
Extracted test credentials can allow unauthorized access to affected firmware, exposing confidential information and enabling limited tampering with device integrity and availability.
Affected Products
- Schneider Electric product identified in advisory SEVD-2024-282-04
- Refer to the Schneider Electric Security Notice for the full list of affected firmware versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-13 - CVE-2024-8070 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-8070
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from test credentials embedded directly into the firmware binary in cleartext form. Firmware images are commonly distributed as update packages or extracted from device flash memory. Anyone able to obtain the firmware image can retrieve these credentials using standard binary analysis tools such as strings, binwalk, or a hex editor.
Cleartext credential storage in firmware [CWE-312] is a design defect that persists across every deployed unit of the affected product. The credentials are static and cannot be rotated without a firmware update. Because the issue affects the firmware itself, every device running a vulnerable version shares the same exposure.
Root Cause
Developers left test or debug credentials in the shipped production firmware. These credentials appear to have been intended for factory testing or engineering validation and were not removed prior to release. Storing them unencrypted in the binary compounds the exposure.
Attack Vector
An attacker requires local access to obtain the firmware or the device. Once the binary is in hand, extracting credentials is trivial and requires no exploitation of a runtime flaw. The recovered credentials can then be used against the device's authentication interfaces to gain access that should not be available to unauthenticated users. Scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that successful exploitation impacts resources beyond the initially compromised component.
No public proof-of-concept has been released, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-8070
Indicators of Compromise
- Successful authentications to affected devices using accounts that are not part of the documented customer-provisioned user set
- Unexpected configuration changes or firmware access originating from operator or engineering workstations on the OT network
- Unusual outbound connections from affected devices following local network reconnaissance
Detection Strategies
- Perform static analysis of the firmware image using strings and binwalk to confirm the presence of embedded credentials, then flag any device still running that firmware version
- Monitor authentication logs on affected devices for logins using non-provisioned accounts or default-looking usernames
- Correlate physical or network access to the device with subsequent administrative activity to detect credential misuse
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable centralized logging from all Schneider Electric devices covered by SEVD-2024-282-04 and forward events to a SIEM for correlation
- Alert on any successful login outside of maintenance windows or from unexpected source addresses
- Track firmware versions across the OT fleet and alert when devices run versions listed as vulnerable in the vendor advisory
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-8070
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the firmware update referenced in Schneider Electric advisory SEVD-2024-282-04 to all affected devices
- Restrict physical and network access to affected devices to authorized engineering personnel only
- Segment affected devices onto an isolated OT network with strict inbound and outbound access controls
- Rotate any operator credentials that may share values with the exposed test accounts
Patch Information
Schneider Electric has published remediation guidance in SEVD-2024-282-04. Consult the advisory for the specific fixed firmware versions and installation procedure applicable to your deployment.
Workarounds
- Disable or block network access to the management interfaces of affected devices until patched firmware is applied
- Enforce strict role-based access control at the network layer using firewalls or data diodes in front of vulnerable devices
- Physically secure devices in locked enclosures to prevent unauthorized retrieval of firmware from flash memory
# Example: verify firmware version and restrict device management access with iptables
# Replace 10.0.0.10 with the affected device's IP and 10.0.0.5 with the authorized workstation
iptables -A FORWARD -s 10.0.0.5 -d 10.0.0.10 -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A FORWARD -d 10.0.0.10 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
