CVE-2018-18326 in DotNetNuke
Summary
by MITRE
DNN (aka DotNetNuke) 9.2 through 9.2.2 incorrectly converts encryption key source values, resulting in lower than expected entropy. NOTE: this issue exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2018-15812.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2018-18326 affects DNN (DotNetNuke) versions 9.2 through 9.2.2 and represents a cryptographic weakness that undermines the security of encryption key generation. This issue stems from an incomplete remediation of CVE-2018-15812, creating a regression that exposes systems to reduced cryptographic entropy. The flaw specifically manifests in how the platform handles encryption key source values during the conversion process, leading to predictable and insufficiently random key material that can be exploited by attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of cryptographic key derivation within the DNN framework's security architecture. When encryption keys are generated for various security functions including data encryption, session management, and authentication tokens, the system fails to maintain adequate entropy levels in the generated key material. This weakness directly relates to CWE-330, which addresses insufficient entropy in random number generators, and can be classified under the broader category of cryptographic weakness patterns. The incomplete fix for the previous vulnerability has created a scenario where the system's cryptographic operations become predictable and vulnerable to brute force attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-18326 extends beyond simple cryptographic weakness to encompass potential data breaches and system compromise. Attackers who can predict or reproduce the reduced entropy encryption keys gain access to sensitive user data, session hijacking capabilities, and potential escalation paths within the application. The vulnerability affects critical security functions within DNN platforms, including but not limited to encrypted cookies, secure communication channels, and protected administrative interfaces. This weakness can be exploited through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle scenarios, session hijacking attempts, and credential recovery operations that leverage the predictable key material.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to the affected DNN versions, as the original incomplete fix must be properly addressed through a comprehensive remediation. Organizations should implement key rotation procedures for existing systems that have been exposed to this vulnerability, particularly focusing on cryptographic keys used in authentication, session management, and data encryption components. The remediation process should include thorough security testing to verify that entropy levels have been restored to acceptable cryptographic standards. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any signs of exploitation and consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential attack attempts targeting the specific cryptographic weaknesses. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the dangers of incomplete security fixes that may introduce new attack surfaces rather than resolving existing ones.