CVE-2009-2358 in TekRADIUS
Summary
by MITRE
TekRADIUS 3.0 uses BUILTIN\Users:R permissions for the TekRADIUS.ini file, which allows local users to obtain obfuscated database credentials by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2358 affects TekRADIUS 3.0, a network access control solution that manages authentication for wireless and wired networks. This issue stems from improper file permission configuration within the application's security model, creating a significant local privilege escalation vector that exposes sensitive authentication data. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient access control mechanisms where the application fails to properly restrict file access permissions, allowing unauthorized local users to gain access to critical configuration information.
The technical flaw manifests through the specific use of BUILTIN\Users:R permissions for the TekRADIUS.ini configuration file, where the R permission denotes read access. This permission structure grants all users in the BUILTIN\Users group the ability to read the configuration file, which contains obfuscated database credentials. The obfuscation, while present, does not provide adequate security since the credentials remain accessible to any local user with read permissions. This design flaw violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control implementation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and demonstrates how improper permission settings can lead to credential exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations relying on TekRADIUS for network authentication. Local users who gain access to the system can easily extract database credentials from the configuration file, potentially enabling them to access backend databases, modify authentication configurations, or escalate their privileges further within the network infrastructure. This creates a pathway for both insider threats and lateral movement attacks where attackers who have obtained local system access can leverage this vulnerability to obtain elevated privileges and access additional network resources. The vulnerability also exposes organizations to compliance violations, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss, hipaa, or soc 2, where proper credential protection is mandatory.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate permission adjustments to restrict access to the TekRADIUS.ini file. System administrators must modify the file permissions to ensure that only authorized administrative accounts or specific service accounts can read the configuration file. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.002, which covers privilege escalation through abuse of application permissions. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify similar permission misconfigurations across their infrastructure. Additionally, implementing proper credential management practices, such as using encrypted configuration files or centralized credential stores, would provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files and establishing automated alerts for permission changes to critical system files.