CVE-2005-2189 in SecureLinx
Summary
by MITRE
Lantronix SecureLinx console server running firmware 2.0 and 3.0 stores /etc/ssh under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information such as SSH private keys.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2189 affects Lantronix SecureLinx console servers running firmware versions 2.0 and 3.0, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive cryptographic materials to remote attackers. This issue stems from improper configuration of the web server component within the console server's firmware, where the /etc/ssh directory containing SSH private keys is placed within the web document root without adequate access controls. The flaw creates a direct path for unauthorized users to retrieve sensitive authentication materials simply by accessing specific web endpoints, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web server configuration where the /etc/ssh directory, which normally contains critical SSH key pairs for secure shell authentication, becomes accessible through the web interface. This misconfiguration allows attackers to traverse the web document root and access files such as private SSH keys, potentially enabling them to impersonate legitimate users or gain unauthorized access to systems that rely on these authentication credentials. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal issue that falls under CWE-22, representing improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, while also aligning with CWE-532 which addresses information exposure through web server logs and configuration files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as SSH private keys represent the foundation of secure remote access protocols. Attackers who successfully obtain these keys can potentially establish unauthorized secure shell sessions with compromised systems, leading to complete system compromise and persistent access. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized access to cryptographic materials that should remain protected within restricted system directories. The exposure of private keys also creates downstream security implications for network infrastructure, as these credentials may be used to access multiple systems within the network that rely on the same authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access controls and directory structure reconfiguration. Network administrators must ensure that sensitive system directories including /etc/ssh are not exposed through web interfaces and that proper file permissions are enforced to prevent unauthorized access. The recommended approach involves updating firmware to versions that address this configuration flaw, implementing web server access controls to restrict directory traversal, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all network devices to identify similar misconfigurations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive directories. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which addresses credential access through various attack vectors including information disclosure. The remediation process should include not only immediate patching but also long-term security configuration management to prevent similar issues from occurring in other network infrastructure components.