CVE-2009-4845 in VirtualIQ
Summary
by MITRE
The configuration page in ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro 3.2 build 7882 contains cleartext SSH credentials, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading the username and password fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4845 represents a critical security flaw in ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro 3.2 build 7882 where configuration pages store SSH credentials in cleartext format. This issue fundamentally undermines the security posture of the affected system by exposing authentication credentials directly within the application's configuration interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and secure credential storage practices within the software's administrative components, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit without requiring advanced technical skills or privileged access.
The technical implementation flaw resides in how the ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro application handles sensitive credential data during configuration processes. When administrators configure SSH connections through the web-based interface, the system fails to encrypt or obfuscate the username and password fields before storing them in the configuration files or database. This cleartext storage approach violates fundamental security principles and creates a persistent exposure that remains accessible to anyone who can access the configuration page or retrieve the stored data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) which specifically addresses the improper handling of sensitive data in storage systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to obtain sensitive information through simple read operations against the configuration page. An attacker who gains access to the application's administrative interface or can directly access the configuration files can extract the cleartext SSH credentials and subsequently establish unauthorized remote connections to target systems. The impact extends beyond immediate credential compromise as these credentials can provide persistent access to network infrastructure, potentially enabling further lateral movement and privilege escalation within the compromised environment. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Credentials in Files) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it provides attackers with legitimate authentication credentials that can be used for unauthorized system access.
The security implications of CVE-2009-4845 are particularly severe given that SSH credentials typically provide high-privilege access to networked systems. Once an attacker obtains these cleartext credentials, they can perform various malicious activities including but not limited to unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and maintaining persistent access to the compromised network. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA triad by exposing sensitive authentication information and potentially allowing unauthorized modifications to system configurations. Organizations using ToutVirtual VirtualIQ Pro 3.2 build 7882 should immediately implement mitigations including credential rotation, application updates, and enhanced access controls to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate credential rotation for all affected SSH connections, implementation of secure credential storage mechanisms, and regular security assessments of administrative interfaces. System administrators should ensure that all sensitive configuration data is encrypted both at rest and in transit, and that applications properly implement secure credential handling practices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards, which emphasize the need for proper data protection and secure configuration management. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar security flaws in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.