CVE-2002-0954 in PIX
Summary
by MITRE
The encryption algorithms for enable and passwd commands on Cisco PIX Firewall can be executed quickly due to a limited number of rounds, which make it easier for an attacker to decrypt the passwords using brute force techniques.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0954 affects Cisco PIX Firewall systems and represents a significant cryptographic weakness in the password encryption implementation. This flaw resides in the enable and passwd commands that are fundamental to firewall administration and user authentication processes. The issue stems from the use of encryption algorithms with insufficient computational complexity, specifically characterized by a limited number of encryption rounds that dramatically reduce the security strength of the encrypted passwords.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of cryptographic best practices and security standards. The encryption algorithms employed in the affected Cisco PIX Firewall versions utilize a reduced number of rounds that make the encrypted passwords susceptible to brute force attacks. This weakness directly correlates to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms. The limited number of rounds in the encryption process creates predictable patterns that attackers can exploit through systematic brute force techniques, significantly reducing the time and computational resources required to recover the original passwords. This vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security premise that encrypted passwords should remain resistant to unauthorized access attempts.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations relying on Cisco PIX Firewall systems for network security. Attackers who gain access to the encrypted password data can quickly reverse engineer the original passwords using readily available brute force tools and techniques. The implications extend beyond simple credential compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete administrative control over the firewall system, potentially allowing attackers to modify security policies, bypass access controls, and establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various means including password cracking attacks.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and systematic implementation across affected Cisco PIX Firewall deployments. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched firmware versions that implement stronger encryption algorithms with adequate rounds of encryption. Additionally, network administrators should implement alternative authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication and strong password policies to reduce the impact of potential credential compromise. The remediation process should also include comprehensive network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Security teams must also consider implementing network access control measures and regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar cryptographic weaknesses in other network components and ensure compliance with security standards such as NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic strength requirements.