CVE-2017-7306 in RIOS
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Riverbed RiOS through 9.6.0 has a weak default password for the secure vault, which makes it easier for physically proximate attackers to defeat the secure-vault protection mechanism by leveraging knowledge of the password algorithm and the appliance serial number. NOTE: the vendor believes that this does not meet the definition of a vulnerability. The product contains correct computational logic for supporting arbitrary password changes by customers; however, a password change is optional to meet different customers' needs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-7306 relates to Riverbed RiOS versions 9.6.0 and earlier, specifically targeting the secure vault protection mechanism. This issue represents a significant security concern within network infrastructure devices, particularly when considering the physical proximity attack vector that enables unauthorized access to sensitive system components. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of default credentials that are predictable and can be derived through knowledge of the password algorithm combined with the appliance serial number. Such a weakness fundamentally undermines the security posture of the device by providing attackers with a straightforward path to bypass intended protection measures.
The technical flaw manifests in the password generation algorithm used for the secure vault component of Riverbed RiOS appliances. When an attacker gains physical proximity to the device, they can exploit the predictable nature of the default password by leveraging the appliance serial number and understanding the password algorithm. This creates a scenario where the security model intended to protect sensitive data and system configurations becomes ineffective due to the weak default credential implementation. The vulnerability specifically targets the secure vault functionality that should normally require strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to system-critical components.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for organizations deploying Riverbed RiOS appliances in environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed. The ease with which attackers can defeat the secure-vault protection mechanism means that sensitive configuration data, encryption keys, and potentially confidential network information could be accessed without proper authorization. This weakness can be exploited by attackers who are physically present near the target device, making it particularly concerning for environments with shared physical spaces or inadequate perimeter security controls. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of critical network services.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, which addresses the problem of passwords that are easily guessable or predictable. Additionally, this weakness maps to ATT&CK technique T1210 Exploitation of Remote Services, as attackers can leverage the predictable default credentials to gain unauthorized access to system components. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls beyond the default configuration, including mandatory password changes, network segmentation, and physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to these devices. The vendor's position that this does not constitute a vulnerability highlights the importance of understanding the distinction between implementation weaknesses and actual security flaws, while still acknowledging the practical security risks that exist in real-world deployments.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate implementation of strong, unique passwords for all secure vault components, regular security assessments of network infrastructure, and enforcement of strict physical security controls around network devices. Organizations should also consider network monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and implement proper access control mechanisms that do not rely solely on default credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure default configurations and the need for organizations to understand that default settings, while convenient, may not meet security requirements for all operational environments.