CVE-2015-8675 in S5300 Campus
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei S5300 Campus Series switches with software before V200R005SPH008 do not mask the password when uploading files, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain sensitive password information by reading the display.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8675 affects Huawei S5300 Campus Series network switches running firmware versions prior to V200R005SPH008. This security flaw represents a critical weakness in the switch's command-line interface handling during file upload operations, where sensitive authentication credentials are inadvertently exposed in plaintext on the display interface. The vulnerability specifically manifests when administrators execute file upload commands through the switch's console or management interface, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by adversaries with physical proximity to the affected device.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of password masking mechanisms within the switch's software implementation. When users attempt to upload configuration files or firmware updates, the system fails to properly obscure password fields during the upload process, allowing the plaintext credentials to be visible on the screen. This behavior violates fundamental security principles for credential handling and represents a failure in input sanitization and display management protocols. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information, and more specifically aligns with CWE-522, which deals with insufficiently protected credentials. The flaw essentially creates a man-in-the-middle scenario where an attacker can capture authentication details simply by observing the display output during administrative operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Huawei S5300 switches, as it provides attackers with direct access to administrative credentials that can be used to compromise the entire network infrastructure. Attackers with physical access can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized administrative control over the switch, potentially leading to network disruption, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where physical security controls are inadequate or where unauthorized personnel may gain access to network equipment in areas such as server rooms or network closets. The threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts through compromised credentials, and T1566, which involves phishing and social engineering attacks that exploit physical access opportunities.
Organizations should immediately implement remediation measures to address this vulnerability by upgrading affected Huawei S5300 switches to firmware version V200R005SPH008 or later, which contains the necessary patches to properly mask password fields during file upload operations. Additionally, network administrators should enforce strict physical security controls around network equipment, implement proper access controls for administrative interfaces, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network devices. The mitigation strategy should include monitoring for unauthorized physical access attempts and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of credential compromise. Organizations should also consider deploying network access control solutions and ensuring that all administrative activities are properly logged and monitored for suspicious behavior.