CVE-2018-1241 in RecoverPoint
Summary
by MITRE
Dell EMC RecoverPoint versions prior to 5.1.2 and RecoverPoint for VMs versions prior to 5.1.1.3, under certain conditions, may leak LDAP password in plain-text into the RecoverPoint log file. An authenticated malicious user with access to the RecoverPoint log files may obtain the exposed LDAP password to use it in further attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1241 affects Dell EMC RecoverPoint software versions prior to 5.1.2 and RecoverPoint for VMs versions prior to 5.1.1.3, representing a critical security flaw in enterprise data protection systems. This issue stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the logging mechanisms of these recovery point systems, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on these platforms for data protection and disaster recovery operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems that utilize Lightweight Directory Access Protocol for user authentication and authorization, making it particularly dangerous for environments where directory services are integral to security infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests when the RecoverPoint system writes LDAP authentication credentials to log files in plain text format rather than implementing proper credential sanitization or encryption. This occurs under specific operational conditions where the system processes user authentication requests and subsequently logs relevant information to diagnostic files. The plain text exposure of LDAP passwords within log files creates a direct pathway for credential compromise, as any authenticated user with access to the logging infrastructure can extract these sensitive credentials. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-209, which addresses the improper handling of exceptions that may expose sensitive information, and CWE-532, which covers the insertion of sensitive information into log files. The flaw represents a classic case of insecure logging practices where system administrators inadvertently create attack vectors through routine operational activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables a range of sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise entire enterprise environments. An attacker who gains access to the log files can immediately leverage the exposed LDAP passwords to authenticate as legitimate users within the RecoverPoint system and potentially escalate privileges to access underlying storage systems, backup repositories, and associated network resources. This credential exposure creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for lateral movement, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials used for lateral movement, and T1566, covering credential harvesting through various means. Organizations using these RecoverPoint versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their backup and recovery infrastructure, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data loss.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Dell EMC RecoverPoint versions 5.1.2 or later for the main system and 5.1.1.3 or later for RecoverPoint for VMs, which contain patches addressing the plain text logging issue. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict access controls over log file directories, ensuring that only authorized personnel have read access to these sensitive files. Log file rotation and automatic cleanup procedures should be enforced to minimize the window of opportunity for credential exposure. Network segmentation and monitoring of log file access patterns can help detect unauthorized access attempts. The implementation of centralized logging solutions with proper credential sanitization capabilities should also be considered as part of a broader security posture improvement. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any instances of credential exposure that may have already occurred and implement continuous monitoring to prevent future occurrences of this vulnerability.