CVE-2018-15812 in DotNetNuke
Summary
by MITRE
DNN (aka DotNetNuke) 9.2 through 9.2.1 incorrectly converts encryption key source values, resulting in lower than expected entropy.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2018-15812 affects DNN (DotNetNuke) versions 9.2 through 9.2.1 and represents a critical weakness in the platform's cryptographic key generation mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of encryption key source values during the conversion process, which fundamentally undermines the security assurances that encryption is meant to provide. The flaw exists at the core of DNN's security infrastructure, specifically impacting how the system generates and manages cryptographic keys used for various security functions including data encryption, authentication tokens, and secure communications.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when the system processes encryption key source values, causing these values to be converted in a manner that significantly reduces their entropy. Entropy represents the randomness and unpredictability of cryptographic keys, which directly correlates with their resistance to brute force and statistical attacks. When entropy is compromised, attackers gain substantial advantages in attempting to predict or reconstruct the encryption keys, effectively weakening the entire security posture of the affected systems. This vulnerability falls under the category of weak cryptographic implementations as classified by CWE-326, specifically addressing the weakness in key generation and management processes. The reduced entropy means that the encryption keys become more predictable and susceptible to various attack vectors including dictionary attacks, rainbow table attacks, and pattern recognition techniques that exploit the diminished randomness of the key space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains within DNN installations, potentially exposing sensitive user data, session information, and authentication tokens to unauthorized access. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness could gain access to user credentials, personal information, and potentially escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that remains active as long as affected versions are in use, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that may not immediately patch their systems. This weakness directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves unsecured credentials and weak encryption, allowing adversaries to compromise system integrity and confidentiality. Organizations using affected DNN versions face increased risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties due to the weakened cryptographic protections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-15812 require immediate action including upgrading to DNN version 9.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the key conversion process. System administrators should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential compromise of encrypted data or authentication tokens that may have occurred during the vulnerability window. Organizations should implement additional monitoring mechanisms to detect suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix addresses the underlying cryptographic implementation by ensuring proper entropy preservation during key source value conversions, thereby restoring the intended security guarantees. Security teams should also review their key management practices and consider implementing additional layers of protection including regular key rotation, secure key storage mechanisms, and comprehensive audit logging to detect any anomalies in cryptographic operations. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the severe consequences that can arise from seemingly minor flaws in security-critical code paths.