CVE-2018-11742 in Univerge Sv9100 WebPro
Summary
by MITRE
NEC Univerge Sv9100 WebPro 6.00.00 devices have Cleartext Password Storage in the Web UI.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11742 affects NEC Univerge Sv9100 WebPro 6.00.00 devices where passwords are stored in cleartext within the web user interface. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental principles of credential protection and access control. The issue manifests in the device's web management interface where administrative and user passwords are persisted in an unencrypted format, making them immediately accessible to any attacker who gains access to the web interface or can intercept network traffic.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials. The technical implementation flaw occurs at the application level where password hashing or encryption mechanisms are either absent or improperly implemented within the web management portal. The cleartext storage creates an inherent risk where passwords remain readable in the device's configuration files or database, allowing unauthorized access to administrative functions and potentially full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects network infrastructure devices that typically require robust security controls to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain persistent access to the device management interface. An attacker who can authenticate to the web UI can manipulate device configurations, modify user permissions, and potentially escalate privileges to gain deeper system access. This weakness creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors, especially in environments where the web interface is accessible from untrusted networks. The vulnerability also violates industry standards such as those outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-63B, which emphasizes the importance of secure credential storage and the use of strong cryptographic mechanisms for password protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11742 should include immediate implementation of network segmentation to restrict access to the device management interface, deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts, and enforcement of strong network access controls such as firewalls and access control lists. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network infrastructure devices and ensure that all administrative interfaces enforce secure credential storage practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical network infrastructure components from credential-based attacks. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing multi-factor authentication mechanisms where possible and regularly review access logs to detect potential unauthorized access to the device management interface. The issue also highlights the need for proper security testing during the device lifecycle and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent cleartext storage of sensitive information in web applications.