Niagara Fox Protocol Information Enumeration Scanner

The Niagara Fox Protocol is a critical component in building automation systems, widely utilized by facilities managers, building operators, and automation specialists for network communications. Designed by Tridium, the software finds its use in controlling and monitoring HVAC systems, lighting, and other environmental controls within buildings. These systems are vital for energy management and operational efficiency in commercial and residential spaces. They provide seamless integration of devices, offering streamlined data collection and system management. The software enables automation tasks, schedule programming, and real-time monitoring, essential for modern, smart facilities. It offers powerful tools for visualization, historical data analysis, and control logic implementation, making it a preferred choice in the industry.

The Niagara Fox Protocol Information Enumeration scanner involves the extraction of sensitive information from networks using the protocol. This enumeration allows unauthorized parties to query the network for software version details and other specific configurations. It is critical as it may expose version information that could be leveraged to exploit other vulnerabilities. Enumerating this data poses a risk because it provides potential attackers insight into the system's architecture and patch level. The vulnerability could be exploited without authentication, making it an attractive target for attackers. Enumeration of this information highlights potential security weaknesses in otherwise robust building automation systems.

Technical details of the Niagara Fox Protocol Information Enumeration include network communication endpoints, such as TCP port 19. The protocol's interaction relies on specific query patterns that do not fully validate incoming requests before responding. This lack of validation allows unauthorized queries to extract information about network configurations and software versions. The use of specific payloads, such as "fox a 1 -1 fox hello\n{\nfox.version=s:1.0\nid=i:1\n};;\n", serves to trigger responses containing enumerated data. Vulnerable parameters include identifiable software tags like "fox.version", "hostName", and "app.name". These parameters enable extraction of detailed software environment layouts, which should be kept confidential.

The potential effects of exploiting possible vulnerabilities include unauthorized insight into network architecture and software versions, leading to strategic attacks. Malicious actors may use this information to plan targeted exploits, potentially compromising building management systems. Once vulnerabilities are known, attackers can bypass security protocols and manipulate building environment controls. Such compromises could lead to severe operational disruptions, financial losses, and safety issues in environments like hospitals or data centers. Ensuring all endpoint communications are secure is essential to safeguard these services from exploitation.

REFERENCES

• https://nmap.org/nsedoc/scripts/fox-info.html