CVE-2017-7537 in pki-core Package
Summary
by MITRE
It was found that a mock CMC authentication plugin with a hardcoded secret was accidentally enabled by default in the pki-core package before 10.6.4. An attacker could potentially use this flaw to bypass the regular authentication process and trick the CA server into issuing certificates.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7537 represents a critical security flaw in the pki-core package that affected certificate authority systems. This issue stems from a design oversight where a mock CMC authentication plugin containing a hardcoded secret was inadvertently enabled by default in affected versions. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Certificate Authority server functionality and creates a significant authentication bypass opportunity that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw exists within the PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) implementation and directly compromises the integrity of the certificate issuance process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a hardcoded secret within a mock authentication plugin that should never have been active in production environments. This hardcoded credential creates a persistent backdoor that allows unauthorized entities to authenticate without proper credentials. The mock plugin's default activation means that any system administrator who fails to disable this component inadvertently exposes their certificate authority to potential compromise. The hardcoded secret provides a static authentication mechanism that bypasses the normal authentication protocols, enabling attackers to impersonate legitimate users within the PKI infrastructure. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hardcoded credentials, and represents a classic case of insecure configuration management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass to encompass the fundamental trust model of the certificate authority system. Attackers who exploit this flaw can potentially issue fraudulent certificates that appear to be legitimate, undermining the entire PKI trust framework. This capability allows for man-in-the-middle attacks, certificate forgery, and the creation of malicious SSL/TLS certificates that could be used to intercept communications or impersonate legitimate services. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the certificate authority infrastructure, as compromised certificates can be used to decrypt sensitive communications or establish unauthorized trust relationships within the network. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of identity management and cryptographic trust establishment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7537 require immediate configuration changes to disable the mock authentication plugin and ensure that no hardcoded secrets remain active within the system. System administrators must verify that only legitimate authentication mechanisms are enabled and that all mock or testing components are properly disabled in production environments. The recommended approach includes updating to pki-core version 10.6.4 or later where this issue has been resolved, implementing proper access controls for authentication plugin management, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all PKI components. Organizations should also establish configuration management processes that prevent default activation of potentially insecure components and implement regular security audits to identify similar hardcoded credential issues. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following the principle of least privilege and secure configuration practices as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards.