CVE-2018-10327 in PrinterOn Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
PrinterOn Enterprise 4.1.3 stores the Active Directory bind credentials using base64 encoding, which allows local users to obtain credentials for a domain user by reading the cps_config.xml file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10327 affects PrinterOn Enterprise version 4.1.3, a network printing solution that facilitates document management and printing services within enterprise environments. This security flaw resides in how the application handles authentication credentials for Active Directory integration, specifically within the configuration file structure that governs domain connectivity and user authentication processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of Active Directory bind credentials through base64 encoding rather than proper encryption mechanisms. When PrinterOn Enterprise establishes connections to Active Directory domains, it stores the necessary authentication credentials in the cps_config.xml file using base64 encoding, which provides no actual cryptographic protection. This encoding method merely obfuscates the data rather than encrypting it, making the credentials easily accessible to any local user who can read the configuration file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for enterprise security environments, as it creates a direct path for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to domain resources. Local users with access to the PrinterOn Enterprise installation directory can simply read the cps_config.xml file and decode the base64 encoded credentials to obtain valid domain user credentials. This weakness essentially eliminates the security boundary between local system access and domain authentication, allowing attackers with local system access to escalate their privileges and potentially gain broader network access.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a fundamental flaw in secure credential storage practices as outlined in industry standards and best practices. This issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1550.001 (Use of Valid Credentials) since it provides attackers with legitimate authentication credentials that can be used for further lateral movement within the network. The configuration file exposure creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the application is properly updated and the credentials are reconfigured with proper encryption.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, reconfiguring the application to use encrypted credential storage, and implementing additional access controls to limit local system access to the PrinterOn Enterprise installation directories. Network segmentation and monitoring for unauthorized access to configuration files should also be implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential management and encryption practices in enterprise applications, particularly those that interface with critical authentication systems like Active Directory. Regular security audits and privilege reviews should be conducted to ensure that applications do not store sensitive information in easily accessible formats.