CVE-2017-2488 in Remote Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2021
A cryptographic weakness existed in the authentication protocol of Remote Desktop. This issue was addressed by implementing the Secure Remote Password authentication protocol. This issue is fixed in Apple Remote Desktop 3.9. An attacker may be able to capture cleartext passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2488 represents a significant cryptographic weakness in Apple Remote Desktop's authentication mechanism that exposed systems to credential interception attacks. This flaw specifically affected the Remote Desktop protocol implementation within Apple's ecosystem, creating an avenue for malicious actors to capture authentication credentials in cleartext format. The issue emerged from inadequate cryptographic protection during the authentication phase, where standard password transmission methods failed to provide sufficient security guarantees against network-based eavesdropping. The vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of authentication exchanges, potentially allowing attackers to obtain valid user credentials through passive network monitoring techniques.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the use of insecure authentication protocols that transmitted passwords without proper encryption or cryptographic protection. This weakness allowed attackers positioned within the network to capture authentication tokens and credentials as they traversed the network infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in authentication mechanisms, specifically targeting the absence of proper cryptographic protection for sensitive authentication data. The protocol's failure to implement robust authentication frameworks created a persistent risk that could be exploited by attackers with network access, particularly in environments where the Remote Desktop service was exposed to untrusted network segments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2488 extends beyond simple credential theft, as compromised authentication credentials can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to remote systems and potentially escalate privileges within the network. This vulnerability creates opportunities for lateral movement attacks where initial access can quickly expand to compromise multiple systems within the organization. The risk is particularly elevated in enterprise environments where Apple Remote Desktop services are commonly deployed for system administration and remote support functions. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access points, conduct reconnaissance activities, or execute further malicious operations without detection, making the vulnerability a significant concern for organizations relying on remote desktop services for administrative tasks.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability involved implementing the Secure Remote Password authentication protocol, which provides robust cryptographic protection for authentication exchanges through the use of salted password hashing and secure key exchange mechanisms. This fix addresses the underlying cryptographic weaknesses by ensuring that authentication credentials are never transmitted in cleartext format and that the authentication process incorporates proper cryptographic protections against common attack vectors such as man-in-the-middle and credential capture attacks. The implementation of Secure Remote Password protocol aligns with best practices recommended in the NIST SP 800-63-3 standard for authentication protocol design. Organizations should ensure that all Remote Desktop services are updated to the patched versions and consider implementing additional network security controls such as network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and continuous monitoring to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The fix demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date authentication protocols and highlights the critical need for organizations to regularly assess and remediate cryptographic weaknesses in their remote access infrastructure.