CVE-2009-1473 in KH1516i IP KVM switch
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) Windows and (2) Java client programs for the ATEN KH1516i IP KVM switch with firmware 1.0.063 and the KN9116 IP KVM switch with firmware 1.1.104 do not properly use RSA cryptography for a symmetric session-key negotiation, which makes it easier for remote attackers to (a) decrypt network traffic, or (b) conduct man-in-the-middle attacks, by repeating unspecified "client-side calculations."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-1473 affects ATEN KH1516i and KN9116 IP KVM switch products that utilize both Windows and Java client software for remote management. This weakness resides in the cryptographic implementation used during session key negotiation processes, specifically within the RSA cryptography framework that should be employed for establishing secure communication channels between the client and networked KVM devices. The flaw manifests in the improper handling of cryptographic operations that should normally establish secure symmetric session keys for encrypted communication.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the client-side cryptographic calculations that fail to properly implement RSA-based key exchange mechanisms. According to CWE-327, this vulnerability represents a weakness in cryptographic implementation that allows attackers to exploit the flawed key negotiation process. The improper use of RSA cryptography means that the symmetric session keys used for encrypting network traffic between the client and KVM switches are not being generated or negotiated securely, creating a significant security gap that undermines the intended cryptographic protection of the communication channel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability creates multiple attack vectors for remote adversaries who can exploit the flawed cryptographic implementation to compromise the security of the KVM switch communications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting and manipulating the communication between the client software and the KVM device, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system information or even controlling the connected hardware. Additionally, the vulnerability allows for network traffic decryption, which means that intercepted communications can be easily read and potentially modified by attackers, as outlined in the ATT&CK technique T1041 for data compression and encryption.
The vulnerability's exploitation requires remote access capabilities and can be performed without requiring physical access to the KVM devices themselves, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments. The repeated client-side calculations mentioned in the description suggest that attackers can potentially replay or manipulate cryptographic operations to bypass the intended security measures. Organizations using these ATEN KVM switches should consider the implications of this vulnerability in relation to their security posture, particularly in environments where network traffic encryption is critical for protecting sensitive system information and maintaining operational security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper cryptographic key management practices and ensuring that all networked KVM devices use secure and properly implemented cryptographic protocols. Organizations should consider updating to firmware versions that address this specific cryptographic weakness, as well as implementing network segmentation and additional monitoring controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in network security devices and demonstrates how even minor flaws in key exchange mechanisms can create significant security risks for remote management systems.