CVE-2015-4667 in Xsuite
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple hardcoded credentials in Xsuite 2.3.0 and 2.4.3.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4667 represents a critical security flaw in Xsuite versions 2.3.0 and 2.4.3.0 where multiple hardcoded credentials are embedded within the software components. This issue falls under the CWE-798 category of Using Hardcoded Credentials, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices that directly violates fundamental security principles. The presence of hardcoded credentials in software applications creates a persistent security risk that extends beyond the typical scope of runtime vulnerabilities, as these credentials remain static and unchanged throughout the application lifecycle.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of default usernames and passwords directly within the source code or configuration files of the Xsuite software. These hardcoded credentials are typically set during the development phase and are not intended to be modified by end users or system administrators. Attackers who gain access to the software distribution or can analyze the application binaries can easily extract these credentials and use them to authenticate to the system without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it eliminates the need for complex attack vectors and provides immediate unauthorized access to system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4667 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the hardcoded credentials can provide attackers with persistent access to critical system functions and data. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive information, modify system configurations, or even establish backdoor access that persists across system reboots or software updates. The vulnerability affects organizations using Xsuite versions 2.3.0 and 2.4.3.0, which represents a significant attack surface as these hardcoded credentials remain accessible to anyone who can obtain the software components or analyze the application code. This type of vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers Valid Accounts - Default Accounts, where adversaries leverage default or hardcoded credentials to maintain access to systems.
Security practitioners should recognize that this vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and violates the principle of least privilege. The presence of hardcoded credentials in production software indicates a fundamental failure in security design and implementation. Organizations should immediately implement remediation measures including updating to patched versions of Xsuite, conducting thorough security assessments of affected systems, and implementing credential rotation procedures. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of code review processes and security testing during the software development lifecycle to prevent such issues from reaching production environments. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized access attempts and implement network segmentation to limit the potential damage from credential compromise. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that default credentials, regardless of their complexity, represent a significant security risk when not properly managed or changed during deployment.
The remediation approach for CVE-2015-4667 requires immediate action from affected organizations, including the implementation of proper credential management practices and the deployment of updated software versions that address the hardcoded credential issue. Security teams should also consider implementing automated scanning tools to identify similar hardcoded credentials in other software components and establish security policies that prohibit the use of hardcoded credentials in production environments. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the necessity of comprehensive security awareness training for development teams to prevent such issues from occurring in future software releases.