CVE-2014-2005 in Disk Encryption
Summary
by MITRE
Sophos Disk Encryption (SDE) 5.x in Sophos Enterprise Console (SEC) 5.x before 5.2.2 does not enforce intended authentication requirements for a resume action from sleep mode, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain desktop access by leveraging the absence of a login screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2022
This vulnerability exists within Sophos Disk Encryption version 5.x functionality integrated into Sophos Enterprise Console 5.x prior to version 5.2.2. The flaw represents a critical authentication bypass issue that compromises the security of encrypted systems when they resume from sleep mode. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms during system wake-up processes, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to encrypted desktop environments.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the resume action level where the system fails to enforce proper authentication protocols when transitioning from sleep mode to active state. This weakness specifically affects the authentication requirements that should normally be enforced upon system wake-up, leaving the desktop accessible without proper user verification. The vulnerability operates under CWE-287 which classifies improper authentication scenarios, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1547.001 related to registry run keys and startup folder persistence. Attackers can exploit this by simply being physically present when the system resumes from sleep, eliminating the need for credentials or additional authentication factors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with direct access to encrypted desktop environments without proper authorization. This creates a substantial risk for organizations using Sophos Disk Encryption, as the compromise occurs at the system level rather than requiring network-based attacks or credential theft. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor that allows physical access to encrypted systems, undermining the fundamental security model that disk encryption is designed to provide. Organizations may experience data breaches, unauthorized system access, and potential compromise of sensitive information stored on affected systems.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of Sophos Enterprise Console 5.2.2 or later versions that address this authentication bypass issue. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as configuring automatic screen locks after sleep mode, enforcing strong password policies, and implementing physical security controls to limit unauthorized access to systems. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify affected systems and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. The remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks, specifically addressing controls related to authentication and system access management.