CVE-2016-6838 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei X6800 and XH620 V3 servers with software before V100R003C00SPC606, RH1288 V3 servers with software before V100R003C00SPC613, RH2288 V3 servers with software before V100R003C00SPC617, CH140 V3 and CH226 V3 servers with software before V100R001C00SPC122, CH220 V3 servers with software before V100R001C00SPC201, and CH121 V3 and CH222 V3 servers with software before V100R001C00SPC202 might allow remote attackers to decrypt encrypted data and consequently obtain sensitive information by leveraging selection of an insecure SSH encryption algorithm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2022
This vulnerability affects multiple Huawei server models including X6800, XH620 V3, RH1288 V3, RH2288 V3, CH140 V3, CH226 V3, CH220 V3, CH121 V3, and CH222 V3 devices. The security flaw stems from the improper implementation of SSH encryption protocols within the affected firmware versions. Specifically, these servers are configured to accept and utilize insecure SSH encryption algorithms that can be exploited by remote attackers to decrypt encrypted data transmissions. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the secure communication channels that these servers rely upon for remote management and data protection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the selection and use of weak cryptographic algorithms during SSH protocol negotiations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform man-in-the-middle attacks or passive eavesdropping on encrypted communications, potentially gaining access to sensitive data that should remain protected. This weakness directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted through these server management interfaces. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms, making it a significant concern for enterprise security infrastructure. The affected systems essentially provide an attack surface where adversaries can downgrade security protocols to weaker encryption standards that are more susceptible to decryption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it compromises the fundamental security posture of affected server infrastructure. Organizations relying on these Huawei servers for critical operations face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to management interfaces, and possible lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability affects servers that are commonly deployed in enterprise data centers and cloud environments, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with extensive Huawei server deployments. Attackers exploiting this weakness could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, system configurations, and management credentials that could be used for further attacks. The impact is amplified by the fact that these are enterprise-grade servers typically used for critical business operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected Huawei server models, ensuring that all systems are upgraded to versions that properly implement secure SSH encryption algorithms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while security teams should review SSH configuration settings to ensure that only secure encryption algorithms are accepted. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1021.004, which addresses remote services and secure communication protocols, emphasizing the need for proper cryptographic implementation. Additionally, organizations should implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and establish regular security assessment procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure components.