CVE-2017-8837 in Balance
Summary
by MITRE
Cleartext password storage exists on Peplink Balance 305, 380, 580, 710, 1350, and 2500 devices with firmware before fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093. The files in question are /etc/waipass and /etc/roapass. In case one of these devices is compromised, the attacker can gain access to passwords and abuse them to compromise further systems.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2017-8837 represents a critical security flaw in Peplink Balance series network appliances that stems from improper credential storage practices. This vulnerability affects multiple device models including the 305, 380, 580, 710, 1350, and 2500 variants, specifically when running firmware versions prior to fw-b305hw2_380hw6_580hw2_710hw3_1350hw2_2500-7.0.1-build2093. The flaw manifests in the cleartext storage of passwords within two critical system files located at /etc/waipass and /etc/roapass, which are essential for device authentication and remote access management. This configuration violates fundamental security principles and creates a significant attack surface for malicious actors who gain access to these devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials. When an attacker successfully compromises a vulnerable Peplink device, they can directly access the password files without requiring additional cryptographic attacks or complex exploitation techniques. The /etc/waipass file contains administrative passwords while /etc/roapass holds remote access passwords, providing attackers with complete administrative control over the network appliance. This vulnerability operates at the system level and does not require specialized attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous for network security infrastructure. The cleartext storage approach directly contradicts industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-63B and other authentication standards that mandate secure credential storage mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate device compromise, creating cascading security risks throughout the network infrastructure. Once an attacker gains access to the cleartext passwords, they can establish persistent access to the network appliance and leverage these credentials to move laterally within the network environment. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, modify network configurations, intercept traffic, and potentially gain access to other systems that trust the compromised device. This represents a significant concern for organizations relying on Peplink devices for network security, as these appliances often serve as critical gateways and firewalls within their infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts used for lateral movement, as attackers can utilize the stolen credentials to access additional systems without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8837 must focus on immediate firmware updates to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading all affected Peplink Balance devices to firmware versions 7.0.1-build2093 or later, which contain proper credential storage mechanisms. Additionally, network administrators should implement immediate access controls and monitoring for any unauthorized access attempts to these devices. The remediation process should include changing all passwords stored in the vulnerable files, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a compromise. Security teams should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity related to these specific device models and their known vulnerability signatures. Organizations must also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other devices that might be using similar cleartext credential storage practices, as this vulnerability represents a broader pattern of insecure configuration management that could affect other network infrastructure components.