CVE-2015-2903 in ArcSight SmartConnectors
Summary
by MITRE
The CWSAPI SOAP service in HP ArcSight SmartConnectors before 7.1.6 has a hardcoded password, which makes it easier for remote attackers obtain administrative access by leveraging knowledge of this password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2903 resides within the CWSAPI SOAP service component of HP ArcSight SmartConnectors software versions prior to 7.1.6. This represents a critical security flaw that directly impacts the authentication mechanisms of the system, creating an avenue for unauthorized administrative access. The issue stems from the implementation of a hardcoded password within the service configuration, which violates fundamental security principles of credential management and system hardening. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it provides attackers with a direct path to elevated privileges without requiring additional exploitation techniques or social engineering.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the inclusion of a static, well-known password within the software code or configuration files of the CWSAPI SOAP service. This hardcoded credential allows any remote attacker who can access the service to authenticate as an administrator, effectively bypassing all normal authentication procedures. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through network-based attacks, making it accessible to threat actors regardless of their physical proximity to the system. The presence of such credentials in the source code or configuration files represents a classic example of insecure credential storage practices that have been consistently identified as a top security risk across multiple vulnerability frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over the ArcSight SmartConnectors system. This level of access enables malicious actors to modify or delete log data, alter security policies, disable monitoring capabilities, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access or prior authentication to the system, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. From an enterprise security perspective, this vulnerability undermines the integrity of the entire logging and monitoring infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected while compromising sensitive security data.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential management. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering, as the hardcoded nature of the credential makes it susceptible to discovery through various reconnaissance methods. Organizations utilizing affected versions of HP ArcSight SmartConnectors face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruption. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple system components and its ease of exploitation make it particularly dangerous in environments where security monitoring is critical for detecting malicious activities.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of HP's official security patches and updates that address the hardcoded password issue in the CWSAPI SOAP service. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other hardcoded credentials within their systems and implement proper credential management practices. Configuration reviews should ensure that all authentication mechanisms are properly secured and that no static passwords remain embedded in application code or configuration files. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected service to authorized users only, while continuous monitoring should be enabled to detect any unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated systems to ensure that the patch resolves the vulnerability without introducing new operational issues.