CVE-2016-7442 in UTM
Summary
by MITRE
The Frontend component in Sophos UTM with firmware 9.405-5 and earlier allows local administrators to obtain sensitive password information by reading the "value" field of the proxy user settings in "system settings / scan settings / anti spam" configuration tab.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-7442 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Sophos UTM frontend component that affects firmware versions 9.405-5 and earlier. This issue specifically targets local administrators who possess legitimate access to the system, creating a significant security risk through privilege escalation. The vulnerability exists within the configuration management interface where proxy user settings are stored and managed, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive authentication credentials that should remain protected.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of sensitive data within the system settings configuration tab, specifically within the anti spam scanning section. When administrators navigate to "system settings / scan settings / anti spam" and examine proxy user settings, the system inadvertently exposes the "value" field containing password information. This represents a clear violation of data protection principles and demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization practices. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object reference as described in CWE-284, where the system fails to properly restrict access to sensitive configuration data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on Sophos UTM for network security. Local administrators with access to the system can extract password information that may be used to compromise additional systems or escalate privileges within the network infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it accessible to both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained administrative access. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and violates fundamental security concepts outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 privilege escalation and T1552 credential access tactics. Attackers can leverage this weakness to obtain credentials that may be used for lateral movement within the network or to access other systems that rely on the same authentication mechanisms. The affected configuration section suggests that this could potentially provide access to proxy authentication credentials that might be used to bypass network security controls or access external resources.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates to versions that address this vulnerability, proper access controls to limit administrative privileges, and regular monitoring of configuration changes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications, as well as the need for comprehensive security testing of administrative interfaces. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits can help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future. The incident underscores the critical importance of secure configuration management practices and the need for continuous security assessment of network infrastructure components.