CVE-2016-8272 in HiSuite
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei PC client software HiSuite 4.0.5.300_OVE has an information leak vulnerability; an attacker who can log in to the system can copy out the user's proxy password, causing information leaks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8272 affects Huawei PC client software HiSuite version 4.0.5.300_OVE and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines system security through improper credential handling. This vulnerability specifically targets the proxy authentication mechanisms within the HiSuite software, creating a significant risk for users who operate behind corporate firewalls or network environments requiring proxy authentication. The software's failure to properly secure proxy credentials during normal operation creates an exploitable condition where authenticated users can extract sensitive authentication information that should remain protected within the application's secure memory space.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the HiSuite client software. When users configure proxy settings for network connectivity, the application stores proxy credentials in a manner that allows unauthorized extraction through simple file system operations or memory inspection techniques. This flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically demonstrates weaknesses in credential storage and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user authentication occurs, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate user access privileges to extract information that should remain confidential. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply logging into the system with valid credentials and then accessing stored proxy password information through direct file system access or memory dump techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8272 extends beyond simple credential theft, as proxy passwords often provide access to corporate networks, internal resources, and sensitive systems that may not be directly protected by the same security controls as the user's primary authentication mechanism. This creates a potential escalation path where attackers can move laterally within network environments, access restricted resources, and potentially gain access to additional systems that rely on the same proxy infrastructure. The vulnerability affects users who work in environments requiring proxy authentication, including corporate networks, educational institutions, and government organizations where network access controls are typically enforced through proxy servers. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the T1552.001 technique for "Unsecured Credentials" and demonstrates how legitimate software applications can inadvertently expose sensitive information through poor security implementation practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates from Huawei, as the vendor would need to implement proper credential storage mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access to proxy authentication information. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual file system access patterns that might indicate credential extraction attempts, particularly when users access proxy configuration files or memory segments. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and privilege separation measures to limit what information can be accessed by authenticated users within the application environment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper credential management, particularly in applications that handle network authentication information. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of client software to identify similar issues that might exist in other applications that store sensitive information, and should implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of known vulnerabilities.