CVE-2011-3013 in Data Synchronizer
Summary
by MITRE
WebAdmin in the Mobility Pack before 1.2 in Novell Data Synchronizer 1.x through 1.1.2 build 428 supports weak SSL ciphers, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3013 affects the WebAdmin component within Novell Data Synchronizer Mobility Pack versions prior to 1.2. This issue stems from the use of weak SSL ciphers that significantly weaken the cryptographic security posture of the system. The Mobility Pack serves as a synchronization solution for mobile devices, making the WebAdmin interface a critical access point for system administration tasks. When systems employ weak SSL ciphers, they become vulnerable to various cryptographic attacks that can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of communications between administrators and the synchronization server.
The technical flaw manifests in the implementation of SSL/TLS protocols where the system does not enforce strong cryptographic standards. Weak SSL ciphers typically include those with insufficient key lengths, outdated encryption algorithms, or known cryptographic vulnerabilities that can be exploited through brute-force attacks. This weakness creates a pathway for remote attackers to potentially intercept communications, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, or successfully authenticate to the system through password guessing or credential cracking attempts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative interface, which typically requires elevated privileges and contains sensitive configuration data and system controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it can lead to full system takeover when combined with other attack vectors. Attackers leveraging this weakness can gain unauthorized access to the Data Synchronizer management interface, potentially allowing them to modify synchronization policies, access user data, or manipulate device management configurations. The risk is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software, creating a widespread attack surface across various deployments. Organizations using these older versions face significant exposure to credential-based attacks that could result in data breaches, unauthorized device management, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Novell Data Synchronizer Mobility Pack version 1.2 or later, which addresses the weak SSL cipher implementation. Security teams should also review and strengthen their SSL/TLS configurations to ensure only strong cryptographic protocols are enabled, typically following industry standards such as those recommended by NIST Special Publication 800-52 Revision 1. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to administrative interfaces, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication attempts, and conducting regular security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptography, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's credential access and defense evasion tactics where attackers may exploit weak cryptographic implementations to maintain persistent access to systems.