CVE-2017-8074 in TL-SG108E
Summary
by MITRE
On the TP-Link TL-SG108E 1.0, a remote attacker could retrieve credentials from "SEND data" log lines where passwords are encoded in hexadecimal. This affects the 1.1.2 Build 20141017 Rel.50749 firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The TP-Link TL-SG108E 1.0 switch represents a network infrastructure device that falls under the category of managed network switches commonly deployed in enterprise and small office environments. This particular model is vulnerable to a credential exposure issue that stems from improper handling of sensitive data within its logging mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts firmware version 1.1.2 Build 20141017 Rel.50749, indicating a legacy software implementation that fails to adequately protect authentication credentials during system operations. The device operates within the broader context of network management systems where secure credential handling is paramount for maintaining network integrity and preventing unauthorized access to network resources.
The technical flaw manifests in the switch's logging functionality where authentication credentials are transmitted in hexadecimal format within "SEND data" log entries. This represents a critical security oversight where sensitive information that should remain protected is inadvertently exposed through system logging mechanisms. The vulnerability enables a remote attacker to capture these log entries and extract password information through hexadecimal decoding techniques. The flaw occurs at the application layer where the device fails to properly sanitize or obfuscate authentication data before writing it to log files, creating a direct pathway for credential theft without requiring local access or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential network compromise and unauthorized access to the managed switch. A remote attacker can leverage this weakness to gain administrative control over the switch, potentially leading to man-in-the-middle attacks, network segmentation bypasses, or complete network disruption. The vulnerability affects network administrators who may unknowingly expose their authentication credentials through routine system operations, particularly when troubleshooting or monitoring network traffic. This creates a persistent security risk where legitimate network operations inadvertently expose sensitive information to unauthorized parties, undermining the security posture of the entire network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from TP-Link to address the logging implementation flaws and ensure proper credential sanitization. Network administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the affected device to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring of log files for suspicious patterns and implementing secure logging practices can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses improper error handling that may expose sensitive information, and reflects ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and credential access. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and secure remote management protocols to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to network management interfaces.