Headline
ABB Cylon Aspect 3.08.03 (login.php) Obscure Authentication Bypass
The ABB Cylon Aspect BAS controller allows login using guest:guest, which initiates a web session but restricts access to administrative features by returning an ‘Invalid Admin Username and/or Password’ message. However, the session is still active and valid within the HMI environment. Despite failed privilege validation in the login flow, direct navigation to /setup.php bypasses authentication and authorization controls entirely. This endpoint serves as the administrative dashboard and allows full configuration access, including the ability to change credentials for the privileged aamuser account. This flaw results in privilege escalation from a limited guest session to full administrative control, compromising the integrity of the system.
Title: ABB Cylon Aspect 3.08.03 (login.php) Obscure Authentication Bypass
Advisory ID: ZSL-2025-5949
Type: Local/Remote
Impact: Security Bypass, System Access, Privilege Escalation, DoS
Risk: (5/5)
Release Date: 22.05.2025
Summary
ASPECT is an award-winning scalable building energy management and control solution designed to allow users seamless access to their building data through standard building protocols including smart devices.
Description
The ABB Cylon Aspect BAS controller allows login using guest:guest, which initiates a web session but restricts access to administrative features by returning an ‘Invalid Admin Username and/or Password’ message. However, the session is still active and valid within the HMI environment. Despite failed privilege validation in the login flow, direct navigation to /setup.php bypasses authentication and authorization controls entirely. This endpoint serves as the administrative dashboard and allows full configuration access, including the ability to change credentials for the privileged aamuser account. This flaw results in privilege escalation from a limited guest session to full administrative control, compromising the integrity of the system.
Vendor
ABB Ltd. - https://www.global.abb
Affected Version
NEXUS Series, MATRIX-2 Series, ASPECT-Enterprise, ASPECT-Studio
Firmware: <=3.08.03
Tested On
GNU/Linux 3.15.10 (armv7l)
GNU/Linux 3.10.0 (x86_64)
GNU/Linux 2.6.32 (x86_64)
Intel® Atom™ Processor E3930 @ 1.30GHz
Intel® Xeon® Silver 4208 CPU @ 2.10GHz
PHP/7.3.11
PHP/5.6.30
PHP/5.4.16
PHP/4.4.8
PHP/5.3.3
AspectFT Automation Application Server
lighttpd/1.4.32
lighttpd/1.4.18
Apache/2.2.15 (CentOS)
OpenJDK Runtime Environment (rhel-2.6.22.1.-x86_64)
OpenJDK 64-Bit Server VM (build 24.261-b02, mixed mode)
ErgoTech MIX Deployment Server 2.0.0
Vendor Status
[21.04.2024] Vulnerability discovered.
[22.04.2024] Vendor contacted.
[22.04.2024] Vendor responds.
[02.05.2024] Working with the vendor.
[21.05.2025] No response from the vendor.
[22.05.2025] Public security advisory released.
PoC
abb_aspect_auth3.txt
Credits
Vulnerability discovered by Gjoko Krstic - <[email protected]>
References
[1] https://packetstorm.news/files/id/194978/
Changelog
[22.05.2025] - Initial release
[26.05.2025] - Added reference [1]
Contact
Zero Science Lab
Web: https://www.zeroscience.mk
e-mail: [email protected]