CVE-2017-17717 in Nexus Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager through 2.14.5 has weak password encryption with a hardcoded CMMDwoV value in the LDAP integration feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17717 affects Sonatype Nexus Repository Manager versions prior to 2.14.6, specifically targeting the LDAP integration feature where password encryption employs a hardcoded cryptographic key. This weakness resides in the authentication mechanism that handles LDAP credentials, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Nexus for repository management and access control. The hardcoded encryption key CMMDwoV represents a critical design flaw that undermines the confidentiality and integrity of stored passwords within the system.
This vulnerability stems from improper implementation of cryptographic practices where a static, predictable encryption key is embedded within the application code rather than utilizing dynamic key generation or secure key management mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers who gain access to the system to decrypt stored LDAP passwords without requiring additional authentication factors. This represents a direct violation of security principle 13 from the OWASP Top Ten 2017, which addresses sensitive data exposure, and aligns with CWE-327, which addresses use of a broken or weak cryptographic algorithm. The hardcoded key creates a single point of failure that compromises the entire authentication infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to LDAP directories and potentially escalate privileges within the organization's infrastructure. An attacker with access to the Nexus repository manager configuration files or database can extract encrypted passwords and decrypt them using the known hardcoded key. This weakness particularly affects enterprise environments where Nexus is used as a central repository for software artifacts, as it provides attackers with access to authentication credentials that can be leveraged for lateral movement throughout the network. The vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers credentials from password storage modules, and T1078, which addresses valid accounts for privilege escalation.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Nexus Repository Manager version 2.14.6 or later, which addresses this vulnerability through proper cryptographic implementation. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to limit access to Nexus instances, regular monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes, and conducting security assessments of LDAP integration components. The remediation should also include reviewing and rotating all LDAP passwords stored in the affected system, as well as implementing proper key management practices for cryptographic operations. Organizations should consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication and privilege-based access controls to reduce the impact of credential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure key management practices and demonstrates the critical need for cryptographic libraries to be properly configured with dynamic, unpredictable keys rather than static hardcoded values.