CVE-2015-6847 in VPLEX GeoSynchrony
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of EMC VPLEX GeoSynchrony 5.4 SP1 before P3 stores cleartext NAVISPHERE GUI passwords in a log file, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6847 affects EMC VPLEX GeoSynchrony 5.4 SP1 before P3, representing a critical configuration flaw that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through improper logging practices. This issue stems from the default security configuration where the system stores passwords in cleartext format within log files, creating an obvious attack vector for local adversaries who can easily access these credentials by simply reading the log files. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure credential handling and logging practices, where sensitive information is not properly masked or encrypted during system operations.
The technical flaw manifests in the system's logging mechanism where NAVISPHERE GUI passwords are written in plaintext to log files without any form of obfuscation or encryption. This represents a direct violation of security best practices and aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper logging. The cleartext storage of passwords in log files creates an inherent risk where any local user with file system access can immediately retrieve these credentials, effectively providing unauthorized access to the system's administrative interfaces. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the default configuration, meaning that organizations deploying the system without additional security hardening are automatically exposed to this risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables local privilege escalation and persistent access to the system's administrative functions. Attackers who gain local access to the system can immediately leverage these stored passwords to escalate their privileges and gain full administrative control over the VPLEX GeoSynchrony environment. This creates a significant risk for data protection and system integrity, as unauthorized access can lead to data manipulation, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements, as it violates security standards that mandate proper handling of sensitive information and secure credential storage practices.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling or restricting access to the affected log files, implementing proper log file permissions, and ensuring that all password storage mechanisms use appropriate encryption or hashing techniques. The recommended approach involves configuring the system to either mask password information in logs or to disable password logging entirely, while also implementing proper access controls to limit local system access. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how default configurations can create significant security risks. The issue also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003, which covers credentials from password storage, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive security auditing of default system configurations to identify and remediate such exposure vectors.