CVE-2002-0706 in Superscout Web Filter
Summary
by MITRE
UserManager.js in the Web Reports Server for SurfControl SuperScout WebFilter uses weak encryption for administrator functions, which allows remote attackers to decrypt the administrative password using a hard-coded key in a Javascript function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0706 represents a critical security flaw in the Web Reports Server component of SurfControl SuperScout WebFilter software. This issue specifically affects the UserManager.js javascript file which handles administrator authentication and authorization functions. The flaw stems from the implementation of weak encryption mechanisms that rely on hard-coded cryptographic keys within client-side javascript code, creating an inherent weakness that undermines the entire authentication system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of a hardcoded encryption key embedded directly within the UserManager.js javascript function. This approach violates fundamental cryptographic best practices and security principles, as the encryption key becomes accessible to any attacker who can observe the javascript source code. The weak encryption algorithm used in this context allows remote attackers to reverse-engineer the administrative password through decryption processes that leverage the publicly available hard-coded key. This represents a classic example of insecure cryptographic implementation where the security of the system depends on the secrecy of the encryption algorithm rather than the strength of the cryptographic key itself.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk to organizations relying on SurfControl SuperScout WebFilter for web content filtering and security management. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain administrative access to the web reports server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability allows unauthorized individuals to decrypt administrative passwords without requiring additional authentication factors, effectively bypassing the entire access control mechanism. This access could enable attackers to modify filtering policies, disable security features, access sensitive logs and reports, and potentially use the compromised administrative account to pivot to other systems within the network.
The vulnerability aligns with multiple CWE classifications including CWE-327 (Use of a Broken or Risky Cryptographic Algorithm) and CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) which specifically address weak encryption implementations and the use of hard-coded keys. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can leverage the compromised administrative credentials to maintain persistent access to the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a web-based reporting server that is typically accessible over network connections, making it susceptible to exploitation from remote locations without requiring physical access to the system.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of SurfControl SuperScout WebFilter where available, disabling unnecessary web reporting services, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected components. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, implementing strong network access controls, and conducting thorough security assessments to identify other potential hardcoded credentials or weak encryption implementations within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the dangers of relying on client-side security measures that can be easily reverse-engineered by determined attackers.