CVE-2014-8868 in N5200 Active Network Control Panel
Summary
by MITRE
EntryPass N5200 Active Network Control Panel does not properly restrict access, which allows remote attackers to obtain the administrator username and password, and possibly other sensitive information, via a request to /4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The EntryPass N5200 Active Network Control Panel represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8868, which demonstrates a fundamental flaw in access control mechanisms within network security infrastructure. This device serves as a central control point for access management systems, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized administrative privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the device's failure to properly restrict access to sensitive administrative interfaces, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that bypasses intended security controls. The flaw exists within the web-based administration interface where the device fails to adequately validate access requests, allowing unauthenticated users to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain access to critical system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control enforcement within the device's web server component. When remote attackers send a specific request to the /4 endpoint, the system fails to properly authenticate or authorize the incoming connection, resulting in the exposure of administrative credentials and potentially other sensitive data. This represents a classic case of improper access control as classified under CWE-285, where the system fails to properly enforce authorization checks for privileged operations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, exploiting weaknesses in the authentication and session management mechanisms that should normally prevent unauthorized access to administrative functions. The device's configuration allows for the retrieval of administrative credentials without requiring proper authentication, fundamentally undermining the security model of the access control system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the EntryPass N5200 system. Once compromised, attackers can manipulate access control policies, modify user permissions, disable security features, and potentially gain access to all connected access control points within the network. This creates a cascading security risk where a single compromised device can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on physical security systems for access control, potentially exposing critical infrastructure to unauthorized access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) techniques, as it enables attackers to leverage stolen credentials for persistent access and information gathering. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the device or network.
Organizations utilizing EntryPass N5200 devices should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate these devices from general network access, disabling unnecessary services and ports, and applying vendor-provided security patches if available. The implementation of network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify unauthorized access attempts to these vulnerable endpoints. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network security devices, as this represents a common pattern in industrial control systems and security infrastructure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation in security devices and demonstrates how insufficient authentication mechanisms can create critical security gaps that compromise entire access control ecosystems. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access and regularly review access control policies to ensure least privilege principles are maintained across all security infrastructure components.