CVE-2012-4960 in E200E-X1
Summary
by MITRE
The Huawei NE5000E, MA5200G, NE40E, NE80E, ATN, NE40, NE80, NE20E-X6, NE20, ME60, CX600, CX200, CX300, ACU, WLAN AC 6605, S9300, S7700, S2300, S3300, S5300, S3300HI, S5300HI, S5306, S6300, S2700, S3700, S5700, S6700, AR G3, H3C AR(OEM IN), AR 19, AR 29, AR 49, Eudemon100E, Eudemon200, Eudemon300, Eudemon500, Eudemon1000, Eudemon1000E-U/USG5300, Eudemon1000E-X/USG5500, Eudemon8080E/USG9300, Eudemon8160E/USG9300, Eudemon8000E-X/USG9500, E200E-C/USG2200, E200E-X3/USG2200, E200E-X5/USG2200, E200E-X7/USG2200, E200E-C/USG5100, E200E-X3/USG5100, E200E-X5/USG5100, E200E-X7/USG5100, E200E-B/USG2100, E200E-X1/USG2100, E200E-X2/USG2100, SVN5300, SVN2000, SVN5000, SVN3000, NIP100, NIP200, NIP1000, NIP2100, NIP2200, and NIP5100 use the DES algorithm for stored passwords, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to obtain cleartext passwords via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-4960 represents a critical cryptographic weakness affecting numerous Huawei and H3C network equipment models across multiple product lines including routers, switches, firewalls, and access controllers. This vulnerability stems from the implementation of the Data Encryption Standard algorithm for password storage, which despite being a well-established encryption method, has been deemed insufficient for modern security requirements due to its 56-bit key length and known cryptographic weaknesses. The flaw exists in devices ranging from enterprise-grade routers like the NE5000E and NE40E to wireless access controllers such as the WLAN AC 6605 and various firewall models including the USG5300 series. The vulnerability is classified as context-dependent because it requires specific conditions to be exploited effectively, typically involving an attacker who already has access to the device's configuration files or storage mechanisms where these passwords are persisted. This weakness directly violates security best practices as outlined in industry standards such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines for password storage, which recommend using modern cryptographic hash functions with appropriate salt values rather than reversible encryption algorithms for password protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of DES encryption for password storage rather than proper password hashing mechanisms. When passwords are stored using DES, they remain vulnerable to brute-force attacks because the algorithm's relatively short key length and known cryptographic weaknesses make it feasible for attackers to recover the original passwords through systematic guessing or precomputed tables. The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers who gain access to device configuration files or storage areas to potentially recover administrative credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques. This creates a substantial risk for network administrators who may not be aware that their devices are storing passwords using such weak cryptographic methods, particularly since the vulnerability affects a wide range of network infrastructure equipment that often serves as critical points of access within enterprise networks. The attack surface is broad given the extensive product line affected, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could potentially compromise multiple devices within a single network environment. The weakness aligns with CWE-326 - Inadequate Encryption Strength and CWE-310 - Cryptographic Issues, both of which address insufficient cryptographic implementation in security-critical applications.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to have some level of access to the target devices, typically through physical access, network compromise, or administrative access that allows them to retrieve stored password data. Attackers can then attempt brute-force attacks against the DES-encrypted passwords, leveraging the relatively weak cryptographic strength to recover the original cleartext passwords. This threat model is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to gain persistent access to network infrastructure devices, potentially allowing them to modify configurations, intercept traffic, or launch further attacks within the network. The vulnerability also intersects with several ATT&CK framework techniques including credential access through brute force methods and privilege escalation by obtaining administrative credentials. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive network access controls and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts, while also planning for device upgrades or replacements that address this cryptographic weakness. The long-term implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate exploitation risks to include potential compliance violations with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-63B for digital identity management, which explicitly recommends against using weak cryptographic algorithms for password storage and emphasizes the importance of using strong, modern hashing algorithms with appropriate computational costs to resist brute-force attacks.