CVE-2008-1431 in firmware
Summary
by MITRE
RaidSonic NAS-4220-B with 2.6.0-n(2007-10-11) firmware stores a partition encryption key in an unencrypted /system/.crypt file with base64 encoding, which allows local users to obtain the key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1431 affects RaidSonic NAS-4220-B network attached storage devices running firmware version 2.6.0-n dated October 11, 2007. This represents a critical security flaw in the device's encryption implementation that fundamentally undermines the confidentiality protections designed to safeguard data stored on the system. The issue stems from the improper handling of encryption keys within the device's file system structure, creating an exploitable weakness that directly compromises the integrity of the storage system's security model.
The technical flaw manifests through the creation of a specific file named /system/.crypt which contains the partition encryption key in a base64 encoded format. This file exists in an unencrypted state within the system's file structure, making it accessible to any local user with sufficient privileges to read system files. The base64 encoding, while providing minimal obfuscation, does not constitute proper cryptographic protection and merely delays rather than prevents access to the encryption key. This design flaw directly violates fundamental security principles for key management, as it places the cryptographic key within reach of unauthorized local users who can simply read the file and extract the key.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on RaidSonic NAS-4220-B devices for data storage and protection. Local users with access to the system can exploit this weakness to obtain the partition encryption key and subsequently decrypt all data stored on the device's partitions. This compromise affects the confidentiality of sensitive information and can lead to complete data exposure, potentially resulting in regulatory violations, financial losses, and reputational damage. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no external network access or sophisticated attack techniques, making it easily exploitable by anyone with local system access.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues including the improper handling of keys and weak key storage mechanisms. The flaw represents a classic example of poor key management practices where sensitive cryptographic material is stored in an insecure location within the system. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.004, which covers the use of credentials from password stores, and demonstrates how local access can be leveraged to obtain system-level encryption keys. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates, file system permissions adjustments, and network segmentation to prevent unauthorized local access to the affected devices.
The remediation approach requires immediate firmware updates from RaidSonic to address the key storage vulnerability, while system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify all affected devices within their networks. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized file system access attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure key management practices in storage systems and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks that affect the entire data protection infrastructure of affected organizations.