In the realm of Operational Technology (OT), the security measures applied to protect critical infrastructure systems often lag behind those seen in Information Technology (IT) environments. Among these security shortcomings, poor password hygiene stands out as a significant vulnerability. In OT environments, it's not uncommon to encounter hardcoded passwords, widespread password sharing among operators, and a lack of regular password rotation. These practices not only expose systems to potential breaches but also undermine the overall security posture of the organization. In this article, we will explore the common pitfalls of password management in OT, the risks they pose, and best practices to enhance security in these critical environments.

Risks Associated with Poor Password Practices in OT Environments

Shared Passwords

• Lack of Accountability: When multiple individuals use the same password, it becomes nearly impossible to track who accessed the system and what actions were taken. This lack of accountability can lead to malicious activities going undetected.
  
• Increased Insider Threats: Shared passwords open the door to potential misuse by employees or contractors. Since everyone has access to the same credentials, distinguishing between authorized and unauthorized access becomes challenging.
  
• Difficulty in Revoking Access: If an employee leaves the organization or no longer requires access, it becomes difficult to revoke their access without changing the shared password for everyone, leading to operational disruptions.
  

Hardcoded Passwords

• Static and Inflexible: Hardcoded passwords are embedded into the system's software or hardware, making them difficult to change. This inflexibility means that once a password is compromised, it remains a vulnerability until the entire system is updated.
  
• Easy Target for Attackers: Attackers often exploit hardcoded passwords because they are well-known or can be easily discovered through reverse engineering. This exposes systems to unauthorized access and potential breaches.
  
• Non-Compliance with Regulations: Many industry regulations require robust password management policies. Hardcoded passwords can result in non-compliance, leading to legal and financial repercussions for the organization.

No Password Rotation

• Extended Exposure: Without regular password rotation, the chances of a password being compromised increase significantly over time. Long-lived passwords are more likely to be exposed through various attack vectors.
  
• Increased Risk of Credential Stuffing: Stale passwords are more susceptible to credential stuffing attacks, where attackers use leaked credentials from one service to gain access to another. Regularly rotating passwords mitigates this risk.
  
• Weakened Security Posture: Regular password rotation is a fundamental security practice. Failing to implement it weakens the overall security posture of the organization, leaving systems vulnerable to attacks.

CVEs Related to Passwords

• CVE-2024-51547 - This vulnerability arises from the use of hard-coded credentials in the affected products. Hard-coded credentials are embedded directly into the software, making them difficult to change and posing a significant security risk.

• CVE-2024-28020 - This vulnerability arises from user/password reuse issues. If exploited, a malicious high-privileged user could use the passwords and login information through complex routines to extend access on the server and other services.

• CVE-2024-28022 - This vulnerability allows a malicious user to perform an arbitrary number of authentication attempts using different passwords. If exploited, the attacker can eventually gain access to other components in the same security realm using the targeted account.

• CVE-2024-6515 - This vulnerability arises from the manipulation of application username/password in clear text or Base64 encoding through the web browser interface. This practice increases the probability of unintended credential exposure.

Can We Move Away from Passwords Altogether?

Due to the inherent weaknesses in passwords, we are witnessing a significant rise in passwordless solutions in both IT and consumer technology. These advancements are driven by the need for enhanced security and user convenience. However, many of these solutions are not fit for OT adoption, where the unique challenges and requirements of critical infrastructure demand a more tailored approach.

swIDch's One-Time Authentication Code (OTAC) technology is built from the ground up to tackle the distinctive challenges of OT environments. By eliminating the need for static passwords and leveraging dynamic, one-way authentication codes, OTAC offers a secure and flexible authentication method that enhances the security posture of OT systems. This innovative approach not only addresses the vulnerabilities of traditional password-based systems but also ensures the integrity and reliability of critical operations.

With OTAC, organizations can confidently transition away from the risks associated with passwords, embracing a future where authentication is both secure and seamless. By adopting swIDch's OTAC technology, OT environments can achieve a higher level of security, ensuring the protection of their critical infrastructure.

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Author: Vinny Sagar, Solution Architect, swIDch

With over 15 years of experience in pre-sales, consulting and software development in the Identity and Cyber Security space Vinny has helped many clients across various industries and regions to design and deploy Zero Trust solutions that meet their specific needs and challenges.