CVE-2017-20083 in Smart Visu Server
Summary
by MITRE • 06/22/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in JUNG Smart Visu Server 1.0.804/1.0.830/1.0.832. Affected is an unknown function of the component SSH Server. The manipulation leads to backdoor. An attack has to be approached locally. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. Upgrading to version 1.0.900 is able to address this issue. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2022
This critical vulnerability in JUNG Smart Visu Server represents a significant security risk that allows local attackers to gain unauthorized access through a backdoor mechanism. The flaw exists within the SSH Server component of the software, specifically affecting versions 1.0.804, 1.0.830, and 1.0.832, with the issue being resolved in version 1.0.900. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates its potential for severe impact on system security and data integrity. The backdoor functionality provides persistent access to systems that would otherwise be protected by standard security measures, making it particularly dangerous for industrial control systems and smart building environments where JUNG Smart Visu Server is commonly deployed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the SSH server component, allowing local attackers to bypass normal access controls and establish unauthorized connections. This represents a weakness in the software's security architecture that violates fundamental principles of secure system design. The attack vector requiring local access means that an attacker must already have physical or network access to the target system, but once inside, they can exploit this backdoor to maintain persistent access. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials) categories, indicating both access control failures and potential hardcoded security mechanisms that should never be present in production systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to maintain long-term presence within affected networks and potentially escalate privileges to gain broader system control. In industrial environments where JUNG Smart Visu Server is deployed for building automation and control systems, this backdoor could compromise entire facility operations, affecting lighting, heating, security systems, and other critical infrastructure. The public disclosure of the exploit means that threat actors can readily leverage this vulnerability without requiring advanced technical skills, significantly increasing the risk to organizations that have not yet upgraded their systems. This vulnerability particularly affects the attack surface defined by ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can use the backdoor to establish persistent access and potentially expand their foothold within networks.
Organizations utilizing JUNG Smart Visu Server should prioritize immediate upgrade to version 1.0.900 to mitigate this vulnerability, as this represents the most effective remediation approach. Additional security measures should include network segmentation to limit local access to affected systems, implementation of intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized SSH connections, and comprehensive security audits to identify any potential compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches and the risks associated with legacy systems in industrial environments. Security teams should also consider implementing privileged access management solutions and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in other components of their industrial control systems. This incident underscores the critical need for robust software supply chain security and the importance of timely vulnerability management in operational technology environments where security is paramount to maintaining safe and reliable operations.