CVE-2015-4547 in RSA Web Threat Detection
Summary
by MITRE
EMC RSA Web Threat Detection before 5.1 SP1 stores a cleartext AnnoDB password in a configuration file, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4547 affects EMC RSA Web Threat Detection software prior to version 5.1 SP1, representing a critical security flaw in the configuration management process. This issue stems from the improper handling of sensitive authentication credentials within the application's configuration files, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure. The flaw specifically involves the storage of AnnoDB database passwords in cleartext format, which violates fundamental security principles for credential management and demonstrates poor implementation of secure configuration practices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials. Attackers with authenticated access to the system can exploit this weakness by simply reading the configuration file containing the database password, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the underlying AnnoDB database. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control and inadequate credential protection mechanisms, as the system fails to implement proper encryption or obfuscation of sensitive data within its configuration files. The vulnerability exists at the application layer and demonstrates a failure in following secure coding practices that would typically be enforced through configuration management standards and security frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate their privileges and gain deeper access to the threat detection system's database infrastructure. Remote authenticated users who can read the configuration file can leverage the exposed database password to establish direct database connections, potentially leading to data exfiltration, modification of threat detection rules, or complete system compromise. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of the security monitoring system and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on EMC RSA Web Threat Detection for their cybersecurity operations. The exposure of database credentials can result in unauthorized access to threat intelligence, detection signatures, and potentially sensitive operational data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4547 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 5.1 SP1 or later, which addresses the cleartext password storage issue through proper encryption mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive configuration management policies that enforce encrypted storage of all sensitive credentials, including database passwords, API keys, and authentication tokens. The remediation process should include thorough review of all configuration files across the environment to identify and eliminate any remaining cleartext credentials. Security teams should also implement monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files and establish regular audits of credential storage practices. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls for configuration files and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive system components. This vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and demonstrates the need for continuous security assessment and remediation processes to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.