CVE-2016-5786 in OmniView
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in OmniMetrix OmniView, Version 1.2. The OmniView web application transmits credentials with the HTTP protocol, which could be sniffed by an attacker that may result in the compromise of account credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/14/2020
The vulnerability identified in OmniMetrix OmniView Version 1.2 represents a critical security flaw that directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user authentication data. This issue falls under the category of insecure credential transmission, where sensitive authentication information is conveyed over unencrypted HTTP connections rather than secure HTTPS protocols. The flaw creates an exploitable vector for man-in-the-middle attacks and credential interception, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic may be monitored or intercepted by malicious actors. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in implementing secure communication practices within the web application's authentication framework, exposing users to potential account takeover and unauthorized access scenarios.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of authentication credentials during transmission phases. When users log into the OmniView web interface, their username and password information are sent over HTTP connections without encryption, making the data susceptible to packet sniffing and network monitoring tools. This weakness directly correlates to CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials. The implementation fails to enforce secure communication protocols and lacks proper transport layer security measures that should be standard practice for any application handling user authentication data. The absence of TLS encryption during credential transmission creates a clear attack surface that adversaries can exploit to capture authentication tokens and login information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, potentially enabling widespread account compromise and unauthorized system access. Attackers with network access or those positioned to intercept traffic can easily capture login credentials and use them to gain unauthorized access to user accounts and system resources. This compromise can lead to data breaches, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within affected networks. The vulnerability affects all users of OmniView Version 1.2 who authenticate through the web interface, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this security solution. The impact is particularly severe given that the flaw exists at the core authentication mechanism, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access to critical systems and data repositories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of secure communication protocols and comprehensive network security measures. Organizations must enforce mandatory HTTPS usage for all authentication endpoints and implement proper TLS certificate management to ensure encrypted communication channels. The application should be updated to require secure transport layers and disable insecure HTTP connections entirely. Network administrators should implement traffic monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential credential interception attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of secure network connections and the risks associated with using unencrypted protocols. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure application development, particularly focusing on secure communication practices and credential handling. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that all authentication pathways are properly secured and that no insecure communication channels remain accessible to users or attackers.