CVE-2014-4620 in NetWorker
Summary
by MITRE
The EMC NetWorker Module for MEDITECH (aka NMMEDI) 3.0 build 87 through 90, when EMC RecoverPoint and Plink are used, stores cleartext RecoverPoint Appliance credentials in nsrmedisv.raw log files, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading these files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4620 affects the EMC NetWorker Module for MEDITECH version 3.0 build 87 through 90, specifically when integrated with EMC RecoverPoint and Plink components. This issue represents a critical security flaw in how the system handles authentication credentials within its logging mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of sensitive information during the operation of backup and recovery processes, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises system security.
The technical flaw manifests in the storage of cleartext credentials within log files that are generated during normal system operations. Specifically, the nsrmedisv.raw log files contain unencrypted RecoverPoint Appliance credentials, which are written to disk in a manner that makes them accessible to any local user with file system read permissions. This design flaw violates fundamental security principles for credential storage and demonstrates a clear failure to implement proper encryption or access controls for sensitive data. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials), both of which are recognized weaknesses in software security practices that directly enable credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected EMC NetWorker Module versions, as it provides local attackers with immediate access to critical system credentials. This access enables unauthorized individuals to perform actions that would normally require legitimate administrative privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require network access or sophisticated attack vectors, making it exploitable by any local user with basic file system permissions. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1531 (Account Access Removal), as compromised credentials can be used to maintain persistence or escalate privileges within the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigations to reduce risk exposure. The primary recommendation involves restricting file system access to the log directories containing sensitive information, implementing proper access controls through operating system permissions and file system auditing. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing log rotation policies with automatic credential removal or encryption, and regularly audit system access logs for unauthorized file access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper credential management practices that align with NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly those related to access control and audit logging. Organizations should also consider migrating to newer versions of the software that address this specific credential storage issue and implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized access to sensitive system files.