CVE-2012-0147 in Forefront Unified Access Gateway
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway (UAG) 2010 SP1 and SP1 Update 1 does not properly configure the default web site, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted HTTPS request, aka "Unfiltered Access to UAG Default Website Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0147 affects Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway 2010 SP1 and SP1 Update 1 implementations, representing a critical configuration flaw that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. This issue stems from improper default web site configuration within the UAG infrastructure, creating an attack vector that can be exploited without authentication. The vulnerability specifically impacts the security posture of organizations relying on this unified access gateway for secure remote access solutions, potentially compromising the confidentiality of sensitive data and system information.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper configuration of the default website component within the Forefront UAG 2010 environment, where default web site settings fail to properly filter or restrict access to sensitive system resources. Attackers can craft specific HTTPS requests that bypass normal access controls, allowing them to retrieve information that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. This misconfiguration creates a path for information disclosure attacks where malicious actors can access system files, configuration details, and potentially sensitive data that would normally be protected by the gateway's security mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the HTTP protocol's handling of default website resources to exploit the insufficient access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gather intelligence about the target environment that may facilitate subsequent attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could obtain system configuration details, user information, and potentially credentials or other sensitive data that could be used to escalate privileges or conduct more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability affects organizations that depend on UAG 2010 for secure remote access, potentially compromising the integrity of their remote access infrastructure and exposing their network to further compromise. This issue particularly impacts enterprise environments where unified access gateways are deployed to control and monitor remote access to corporate resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates and patches that address the default website configuration issues in Forefront UAG 2010. Network administrators should review and harden the default website configurations to ensure proper access controls are in place, implementing stricter filtering mechanisms for HTTPS requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a specific instance of inadequate access control mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving information gathering and credential access, as it enables adversaries to collect sensitive data that could be used for privilege escalation or further exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to the affected UAG components.