CVE-2017-8075 in TL-SG108E
Summary
by MITRE
On the TP-Link TL-SG108E 1.0, a remote attacker could retrieve credentials from "Switch Info" log lines where passwords are in cleartext. This affects the 1.1.2 Build 20141017 Rel.50749 firmware.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The CVE-2017-8075 vulnerability affects the TP-Link TL-SG108E 1.0 network switch running firmware version 1.1.2 Build 20141017 Rel.50749, representing a critical security flaw in network infrastructure equipment. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive information within the switch's logging mechanisms, specifically within the "Switch Info" log lines where administrative credentials are stored in plaintext format. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in information security practices where sensitive authentication data should never be exposed through logging mechanisms without proper encryption or sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the switch's logging subsystem which fails to properly sanitize or encrypt password information when generating log entries for switch information. When administrative users interact with the switch's management interface, their credentials are inadvertently written to log files in cleartext format, making them immediately accessible to any attacker who can access these log files. This represents a classic example of poor input validation and output sanitization practices, where sensitive data flows through the system without proper protection mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core firmware functionality and operates at a level that is not typically scrutinized for security implications in network equipment.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on TP-Link TL-SG108E switches as it provides remote attackers with immediate access to administrative credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft as these credentials can be used to gain full administrative control over the switch, potentially enabling attackers to modify network configurations, implement man-in-the-middle attacks, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects network security posture by creating an unauthorized access vector that can be exploited without sophisticated attack techniques, making it particularly dangerous for environments where network switches are not properly secured or monitored.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-200 (Information Exposure) categories, which specifically address the improper handling of sensitive data in storage and transmission contexts. Additionally, this weakness maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it provides attackers with legitimate administrative credentials, and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) as the attack vector involves accessing exposed log information. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from TP-Link, network segmentation to limit access to switch management interfaces, and enhanced monitoring of log file access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration practices and the need for regular security assessments of network infrastructure equipment to prevent similar exposure of sensitive information through logging mechanisms.