CVE-2005-4093 in SecureClient NG
Summary
by MITRE
Check Point VPN-1 SecureClient NG with Application Intelligence R56, NG FP1, 4.0, and 4.1 allows remote attackers to bypass security policies by modifying the local copy of the local.scv policy file after it has been downloaded from the VPN Endpoint.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4093 represents a critical security flaw in Check Point VPN-1 SecureClient NG software versions R56, NG FP1, 4.0, and 4.1 that specifically targets the application intelligence component of the virtual private network solution. This weakness enables remote attackers to circumvent established security policies by manipulating local configuration files, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the network access control mechanisms that organizations rely upon for secure remote connectivity.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure handling of policy files within the VPN client software architecture. When the SecureClient downloads the local.scv policy file from the VPN endpoint, the system fails to properly validate or protect this critical configuration data. This design oversight allows attackers to modify the local copy of the policy file after initial download, effectively creating a persistent backdoor that can be exploited to bypass security controls. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and more specifically CWE-312, concerning exposure of sensitive data through cleartext storage of credentials or policy information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple policy bypass, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent unauthorized access to corporate networks. Once an attacker modifies the local.scv file, they can alter firewall rules, access control lists, and other security parameters without detection, potentially enabling lateral movement within the network, data exfiltration, or establishment of command and control channels. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the client system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed workforces relying on remote access solutions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling unnecessary application intelligence features, implementing strict file integrity monitoring for policy files, and ensuring proper access controls on client systems. The security community should consider this weakness in the context of ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use, as attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access. Additionally, the flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 related to phishing campaigns that might target the initial compromise of client systems, though the vulnerability itself operates at the network protocol level rather than through social engineering. Patch management should be prioritized immediately, as this vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Check Point software and represents a fundamental flaw in the policy enforcement architecture.