CVE-2012-4605 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of the SMTP component in Websense Email Security 6.1 through 7.3 enables weak SSL ciphers in the "SurfControl plc\SuperScout Email Filter\SMTP" registry key, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network and then conducting a brute-force attack against encrypted session data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4605 affects Websense Email Security versions 6.1 through 7.3, specifically within the SMTP component configuration. This weakness stems from the default settings that permit the use of weak SSL ciphers, creating a significant security exposure in email filtering environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it resides in the registry configuration at "SurfControl plc\SuperScout Email Filter\SMTP" where cryptographic parameters are improperly configured. The implementation of weak SSL ciphers in the default configuration represents a failure in secure cryptographic implementation practices and violates fundamental security principles for protecting sensitive communications.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of insufficiently strong encryption algorithms that can be readily compromised through network sniffing operations followed by brute-force attacks against the encrypted session data. Attackers can capture network traffic containing encrypted email communications and then attempt to break the encryption through computational methods that exploit the weak cipher implementations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1566.002 for spearphishing via email. The weakness creates an environment where even encrypted communications can be decrypted through sufficient computational resources and time, undermining the fundamental security guarantees that SSL/TLS protocols are designed to provide.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated attackers to intercept and potentially manipulate email communications within organizations protected by Websense Email Security. This exposure affects the confidentiality of email traffic and can lead to the compromise of sensitive business communications, intellectual property, and personal data. Organizations using affected versions of Websense Email Security may experience unauthorized access to email content, potentially leading to corporate espionage, financial fraud, or regulatory compliance violations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where email security is critical for protecting sensitive communications and maintaining business continuity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4605 require immediate configuration updates to disable weak SSL ciphers and enforce stronger cryptographic standards within the Websense Email Security system. Organizations should modify the registry settings at the specified path to disable weak cipher suites and implement only strong cryptographic protocols that meet current security standards. This remediation process should include regular security audits of cryptographic configurations and the implementation of automated monitoring to detect any unauthorized changes to SSL cipher settings. The fix aligns with NIST SP 800-57 recommendations for cryptographic key management and follows the principle of least privilege in cryptographic configuration. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and additional monitoring controls to detect potential exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all email security components are regularly updated to address known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic configuration management and the need for regular security assessments of network security appliances.