CVE-2013-5669 in N8800 Nas Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Thecus NAS server N8800 with firmware 5.03.01 uses cleartext credentials for administrative authentication, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
Thecus NAS server N8800 running firmware version 5.03.01 presents a critical security vulnerability through its use of cleartext credentials for administrative authentication processes. This flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure communication protocols where sensitive authentication data is transmitted without encryption, making it极易 susceptible to interception by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically affects the administrative interface of the network-attached storage device, which is commonly used for managing file sharing, user permissions, and system configurations within enterprise and home network environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's failure to employ secure communication channels for authentication processes. When administrators or authorized users attempt to access the N8800 administrative interface, the system transmits usernames and passwords in plain text format over the network. This cleartext transmission occurs regardless of network security measures such as firewalls or intrusion detection systems, as the encryption layer is completely absent from the authentication mechanism. Network sniffing tools can easily capture these credentials during transmission, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to the device and potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the affected NAS device. Once credentials are obtained through network sniffing, malicious actors can modify user permissions, access or delete sensitive files, install unauthorized software, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly violates security best practices outlined in the defense in depth principle and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that NAS devices often contain critical business data, personal information, and serve as central points of network access for multiple users.
Organizations utilizing Thecus N8800 devices with firmware version 5.03.01 should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a firmware version that implements encrypted authentication mechanisms, specifically requiring TLS/SSL encryption for all administrative communications. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous authentication patterns, while administrators should regularly audit user permissions and access logs to identify potential unauthorized activities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-313 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information in a File or on Disk) categories, and represents a technique categorized under ATT&CK tactic T1075 (Pass the Hash) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) when exploited through network reconnaissance. The incident highlights the critical importance of secure communication protocols in network infrastructure devices and underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and firmware updates to maintain robust network defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.