CVE-2009-0054 in IronPort Encryption Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
PXE Encryption in Cisco IronPort Encryption Appliance 6.2.4 before 6.2.4.1.1, 6.2.5, 6.2.6, 6.2.7 before 6.2.7.7, 6.3 before 6.3.0.4, and 6.5 before 6.5.0.2; and Cisco IronPort PostX 6.2.1 before 6.2.1.1 and 6.2.2 before 6.2.2.3; allows remote attackers to capture credentials by tricking a user into reading a modified or crafted e-mail message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-0054 represents a critical security flaw in Cisco IronPort encryption appliances that affects multiple software versions across different product lines. This weakness specifically targets the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) encryption mechanisms implemented in these appliances, creating a significant attack vector that enables remote credential theft through social engineering techniques. The affected systems include both Cisco IronPort Encryption Appliance versions 6.2.4 through 6.2.7.6, 6.3 through 6.3.0.3, and 6.5 through 6.5.0.1, as well as Cisco IronPort PostX versions 6.2.1 and 6.2.2. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of email messages that contain maliciously crafted content designed to exploit the PXE encryption process, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages user interaction to execute the attack.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of email content within the PXE encryption framework, where the system fails to adequately verify or sanitize email messages before processing them through the encryption pipeline. This allows attackers to craft specially formatted emails that, when opened by unsuspecting users, trigger the encryption appliance to capture and transmit authentication credentials. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages weaknesses in the email processing and encryption protocols, particularly when dealing with preboot environments where system security controls may be more relaxed. This issue is classified as a credential exposure vulnerability that can be exploited through phishing campaigns or targeted email attacks, where the malicious payload is embedded within seemingly legitimate email communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive email communications and potentially escalate privileges within the affected network infrastructure. Organizations using these affected appliances face significant risks including data breaches, unauthorized access to email systems, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprises that rely heavily on email security solutions, as attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass traditional email security controls. The impact is amplified by the fact that the attack requires minimal technical expertise from the attacker, relying instead on social engineering to trick users into opening malicious emails. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where user awareness of email security risks may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0054 should focus on immediate software updates to the affected versions, as well as implementing additional email security controls such as advanced phishing detection mechanisms, email content filtering, and user education programs. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation and establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual authentication patterns. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including initial access through phishing and credential access through legitimate credentials, while also relating to CWE-200 for exposure of sensitive information. Security teams should also implement email encryption policies that do not rely solely on the vulnerable PXE mechanisms and consider alternative authentication methods that provide additional layers of security beyond the affected appliance functionality.