CVE-2014-4864 in ProSafe Plus Configuration Utility
Summary
by MITRE
The NETGEAR ProSafe Plus Configuration Utility creates configuration backup files containing cleartext passwords, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4864 resides within the NETGEAR ProSafe Plus Configuration Utility, a network management tool designed for configuring and managing network devices. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in how the utility handles sensitive authentication data during the backup process. The vulnerability stems from the utility's improper handling of credentials, specifically its tendency to store passwords in cleartext format within configuration backup files. This design flaw directly violates fundamental security principles regarding the protection of sensitive information and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure data handling practices. The issue manifests when users create backup configurations of their network devices, inadvertently exposing administrative credentials that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the file system level where the configuration utility generates backup files containing unencrypted passwords. These backup files typically include administrative login credentials, wireless network keys, and other sensitive authentication information in plain text format. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply accessing the backup file, which may be stored locally on a user's computer or potentially accessible through network shares, removable media, or other insecure storage locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level and does not require any specialized attack vectors or complex exploitation techniques. The cleartext storage of passwords directly enables credential reuse attacks and provides attackers with immediate access to network administrative accounts.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4864 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, creating substantial risks for network security and compliance. Organizations using affected NETGEAR devices face potential unauthorized access to their network infrastructure, which could lead to complete network compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the backup files exist, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access even after initial compromise. This issue particularly affects enterprise environments where network administrators routinely create and maintain configuration backups, making the attack surface significantly larger. The vulnerability also creates compliance challenges for organizations subject to regulatory frameworks such as pci dss, hipaa, and soc 2, which mandate the protection of sensitive authentication information. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to the attack technique of credential access and privilege escalation within the mitre att&ck framework, specifically covering the tactics of credential access and persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4864 require immediate action from affected organizations to address both the immediate exposure and prevent future occurrences. The primary recommendation involves implementing strict access controls and secure storage practices for configuration backup files, including encryption of backup files, secure file permissions, and restricted access to backup locations. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized access to backup files or network devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, which aligns with the software security principles outlined in the owasp top ten and the cwe database. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all network device configurations and backup files to identify and remediate existing exposures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated backup file encryption and access logging to detect potential unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of the NETGEAR ProSafe Plus Configuration Utility and establishing security awareness training for network administrators regarding secure backup file handling practices.