CVE-2016-5774 in PacketShaper
Summary
by MITRE
The HTTPS server in Blue Coat PacketShaper S-Series 11.5.x before 11.5.3.2 might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive credentials and other information via unspecified vectors, related to use of insecure cryptographic parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5774 affects the Blue Coat PacketShaper S-Series 11.5.x devices running firmware versions prior to 11.5.3.2. This issue resides within the HTTPS server implementation and represents a significant security weakness that could enable remote attackers to compromise sensitive information through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically relates to the use of insecure cryptographic parameters within the device's secure communication protocols, creating potential entry points for unauthorized access to system credentials and confidential data.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of weak cryptographic algorithms and parameters within the HTTPS server component of the PacketShaper appliance. This weakness allows attackers to potentially perform cryptographic attacks such as man-in-the-middle operations or credential interception without requiring authentication. The insecure cryptographic parameters may include the use of weak encryption ciphers, insufficient key lengths, or outdated cryptographic protocols that have known vulnerabilities. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-327 which addresses the use of insecure cryptographic algorithms, and potentially CWE-326 which covers the use of weak encryption. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the device's security posture that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Remote attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to network monitoring data, user credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected network infrastructure. The PacketShaper device serves as a critical network security appliance that monitors and controls traffic, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability could enable attackers to establish backdoors, monitor network traffic, and potentially pivot to other systems within the network. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for credential harvesting, representing both network reconnaissance and credential compromise capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-5774 primarily involve upgrading the affected Blue Coat PacketShaper S-Series devices to firmware version 11.5.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary cryptographic parameter fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and ensure that only authorized administrators can reach the appliance's management interfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts to the HTTPS management interfaces. Network administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other devices using similar insecure cryptographic implementations. Additionally, implementing strong access controls, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits can help reduce the overall risk exposure. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches, as well as implementing proper cryptographic standards in network security appliances to prevent similar weaknesses from being exploited in the future.