CVE-2015-2902 in ArcSight SmartConnectors
Summary
by MITRE
HP ArcSight SmartConnectors before 7.1.6 do not verify X.509 certificates from Logger devices, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof devices and obtain sensitive information via a crafted certificate.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2902 affects HP ArcSight SmartConnectors version 7.1.5 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the certificate verification process for Logger device communications. This issue stems from insufficient X.509 certificate validation mechanisms within the SmartConnectors component, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise the integrity of security monitoring systems. The flaw allows adversaries to execute successful man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged certificates that appear legitimate to the SmartConnectors system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the absence of proper certificate chain validation and hostname verification within the SmartConnectors communication stack. When Logger devices attempt to establish secure connections with SmartConnectors, the system fails to validate the certificate's authenticity against trusted certificate authorities or verify that the certificate's subject matches the expected device identity. This weakness directly relates to CWE-295, which addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a failure in implementing proper cryptographic security controls as outlined in industry standards for secure communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to completely subvert the security monitoring infrastructure. Malicious actors can intercept, modify, or redirect logs and security events between Logger devices and SmartConnectors, potentially allowing them to hide their activities while gaining access to sensitive operational data. This compromise undermines the fundamental security posture of organizations relying on ArcSight for threat detection and incident response, as the system's integrity is compromised at the communication layer. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041, where adversaries establish persistence and maintain access by manipulating communication channels to avoid detection.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the available patch from HP that addresses the certificate verification issue in SmartConnectors version 7.1.6 and later. The mitigation strategy involves enabling proper certificate validation mechanisms and ensuring that all Logger device connections are verified against trusted certificate authorities. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of communication patterns between SmartConnectors and Logger devices should be enhanced to detect potential man-in-the-middle activities. Security teams should also consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms to further strengthen the authentication process and reduce the attack surface for this specific vulnerability.