CVE-2001-1098 in PIX Firewall Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cisco PIX firewall manager (PFM) 4.3(2)g logs the enable password in plaintext in the pfm.log file, which could allow local users to obtain the password by reading the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1098 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco PIX Firewall Manager version 4.3(2)g where the system improperly handles authentication credentials during logging operations. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic protection for sensitive information, specifically the enable password, which is written to the pfm.log file in plain text format. The flaw exists within the logging mechanism of the firewall management interface, creating an attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which describes the exposure of sensitive information through improper logging practices. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the firewall manager processes user authentication requests and subsequently records the enable password in the log file without any form of encryption or obfuscation. The logging subsystem fails to differentiate between regular operational information and privileged credentials, resulting in a clear text exposure of administrative passwords. This type of credential exposure is particularly dangerous because it provides attackers with direct access to administrative functions without requiring additional authentication bypass techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of the network infrastructure managed by the affected firewall. Local users who gain access to the pfm.log file can immediately obtain administrative credentials, potentially enabling them to perform unauthorized configuration changes, access sensitive network data, or establish persistent access points within the network environment. The vulnerability creates an insider threat scenario where even authorized users with local system access can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges and compromise the entire firewall management system. This weakness also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly in the areas of identity management and information protection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures. System administrators should immediately restrict file system permissions on the pfm.log file to prevent unauthorized access, ensuring that only authorized personnel with proper clearance can read the log contents. The recommended approach involves implementing strict access controls using file system permissions and discretionary access control mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing centralized logging solutions that can properly handle sensitive data through encryption and access controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 for Valid Accounts and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers could leverage compromised credentials to maintain persistence within the network environment. Organizations should also implement regular security audits and log monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive log files, while considering the implementation of automated alerting mechanisms that can notify security teams of potential credential exposure events.