CVE-2014-3929 in Cougar-LG
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration for Cougar-LG stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which might allow remote attackers to obtain private ssh keys.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3929 represents a critical configuration flaw in the Cougar-LG web application framework that exposes sensitive cryptographic materials to unauthorized remote access. This issue stems from improper security hardening during the default installation process, where private ssh keys are stored in directories accessible through the web server's document root. The configuration violates fundamental security principles by placing confidential authentication materials in locations that are inherently accessible to any remote user who can navigate the web application's directory structure. This misconfiguration creates a direct pathway for attackers to extract private cryptographic keys without requiring authentication or specialized privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the web server's default directory listing behavior and insufficient access control mechanisms. When Cougar-LG is installed with its default settings, the application places private ssh keys in web-accessible directories, typically under /var/www/html or similar document root locations. Attackers can leverage simple directory traversal techniques or automated scanning tools to discover and download these files, effectively compromising the security of any systems that rely on these keys for authentication. The flaw specifically manifests as a lack of proper file permissions and access control lists that should normally restrict access to sensitive configuration files and cryptographic materials. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for security-critical resources, and represents a classic example of insecure default configurations that persist across multiple systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3929 extends far beyond the immediate compromise of individual ssh keys, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access to target systems and potentially escalate privileges throughout the network infrastructure. Once an attacker obtains a private ssh key, they can authenticate to any system that accepts the corresponding public key, effectively bypassing traditional authentication mechanisms and gaining unauthorized access to servers, databases, and other critical infrastructure components. This vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that can be leveraged for lateral movement, data exfiltration, and continued unauthorized access to the compromised environment. The risk is particularly severe because ssh keys often provide administrative access to critical systems, making this vulnerability a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent presence within target networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3929 require immediate attention to the application's configuration and security hardening practices. Organizations must relocate sensitive files outside the web root directory and implement proper file permissions that restrict access to authorized users only. The recommended approach involves configuring the web server to deny access to sensitive directories and ensuring that cryptographic materials are stored in secure locations with appropriate access controls. Security professionals should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting file permissions to the minimum required for application operation. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no sensitive files are stored in web-accessible directories, and automated scanning tools can help identify such misconfigurations across the infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through unauthorized access to system files, and demonstrates the critical importance of proper security configuration management in preventing widespread compromise of authentication systems.