CVE-2017-14772 in Manager Client Application
Summary
by MITRE
Skybox Manager Client Application is prone to information disclosure via a username enumeration attack. A local unauthenticated attacker could exploit the flaw to obtain valid usernames, by analyzing error messages upon valid and invalid account login attempts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-14772 affects the Skybox Manager Client Application, a security management tool used for network security monitoring and vulnerability assessment. This flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that undermines the application's authentication security model. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of authentication error messages, which inadvertently reveal information about account validity to unauthorized users. Attackers can exploit this weakness through a username enumeration technique that systematically tests login attempts to distinguish between valid and invalid usernames based on the differing responses provided by the application.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of consistent error handling during authentication processes. When a user attempts to log in with a valid username but incorrect password, the application typically returns a different error message compared to when an invalid username is provided. This differential response allows an attacker to perform a brute force attack with a list of potential usernames, observing which attempts generate different error messages. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which defines information exposure through error messages, and represents a classic example of how error handling can create security weaknesses in authentication systems. The flaw specifically enables attackers to enumerate valid usernames from the system, which serves as a crucial first step in more sophisticated attack vectors such as credential stuffing or targeted brute force attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of systems using the Skybox Manager Client Application. Once an attacker has obtained a list of valid usernames, they can leverage this information to conduct more effective attacks against the system. The vulnerability affects local unauthenticated attackers who do not require prior access credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application might be accessible to unauthorized users. This weakness creates a foundation for privilege escalation attacks and can facilitate further compromise of the system. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the NIST SP 800-63 standard for authentication, which emphasizes the importance of consistent error handling to prevent information leakage during authentication processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing consistent error handling throughout the authentication process. Organizations should ensure that all authentication attempts, regardless of whether the username exists or the password is correct, return identical error messages to prevent information leakage. The solution involves modifying the application's authentication logic to eliminate differential responses that could be exploited for username enumeration. Additionally, implementing account lockout mechanisms after multiple failed authentication attempts can help prevent automated enumeration attacks. The fix should align with the principles of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically targeting techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. System administrators should also consider implementing rate limiting and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns to detect potential enumeration attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on authentication error handling can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.