CVE-2015-3322 in ThinkServer RD350
Summary
by MITRE
Lenovo ThinkServer RD350, RD450, RD550, RD650, and TD350 servers before 1.26.0 use weak encryption to store (1) user and (2) administrator BIOS passwords, which allows attackers to decrypt the passwords via unspecified vecvtors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3322 affects Lenovo ThinkServer series servers including RD350, RD450, RD550, RD650, and TD350 models. This weakness resides in the firmware implementation where both user and administrator BIOS passwords are stored using insufficient encryption mechanisms. The vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the server's firmware security architecture, specifically targeting the protection of administrative credentials that are essential for system access and configuration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of weak cryptographic algorithms or improper encryption implementation within the BIOS firmware of these servers. The affected versions prior to 1.26.0 utilize encryption methods that are susceptible to decryption attacks through unspecified attack vectors. This weakness falls under the category of cryptographic weakness as defined by CWE-327, specifically involving the use of weak or broken encryption algorithms. The vulnerability creates a scenario where an attacker with sufficient access or knowledge could potentially recover stored passwords without requiring additional privileges or complex attack chains.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides unauthorized parties with elevated access to critical server infrastructure. When administrator BIOS passwords are stored using weak encryption, it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to server configuration settings, firmware updates, and potentially compromise the entire system. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other attack vectors. The threat landscape for this vulnerability includes both internal and external attackers who may exploit the weakness to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the server environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-3322 involve immediate firmware updates to version 1.26.0 or later, which contain the necessary cryptographic improvements to properly protect stored passwords. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to server hardware, regular security assessments of firmware components, and monitoring for suspicious access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in firmware environments and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 for accessing system firmware. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation of this weakness, while ensuring that all server firmware components are regularly updated and monitored for similar cryptographic vulnerabilities.