CVE-2017-20040 in Access Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2022
A vulnerability was found in SICUNET Access Controller 0.32-05z. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component Password Storage. The manipulation leads to weak encryption. Attacking locally is a requirement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20040 resides within the SICUNET Access Controller version 0.32-05z, specifically targeting the Password Storage component where weak encryption practices have been implemented. This weakness represents a significant security concern as it directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of stored authentication credentials. The vulnerability has been classified as problematic due to its potential to compromise the security posture of systems relying on this access controller for network authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the implementation of weak encryption algorithms or improper cryptographic practices within the password storage module. This weakness allows for potential credential compromise through various attack vectors that exploit the insufficient encryption strength. The vulnerability requires local access for exploitation, indicating that an attacker must already have physical or administrative access to the system to leverage this weakness. This local requirement reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk, particularly in environments where physical security is inadequate or where privilege escalation attacks are successful.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations utilizing SICUNET Access Controller systems. The weak encryption of stored passwords directly undermines the fundamental security principle of credential protection, potentially allowing attackers who gain local access to extract and potentially reuse authentication credentials across multiple systems. The implications extend beyond immediate credential theft to include potential lateral movement within networks, unauthorized system access, and compromise of sensitive data. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where network access control is critical and where the controller manages authentication for multiple network resources.
The security implications of CVE-2017-20040 align with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak encryption algorithms, and relates to the broader category of cryptographic weaknesses in authentication systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, where local access provides the initial foothold for more extensive attacks. Organizations should consider implementing compensating controls such as network segmentation, robust physical security measures, and regular security assessments to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of cryptographic best practices and proper implementation of security controls in access management systems. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of stronger encryption standards for credential storage, and comprehensive security reviews of authentication mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls and monitoring of local system activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of cryptographic security in authentication systems and the necessity of regular security assessments to identify and remediate weaknesses in access control infrastructure.