CVE-2018-20401 in 5352
Summary
by MITRE
Zoom 5352 v5.5.8.6Y devices allow remote attackers to discover credentials via iso.3.6.1.4.1.4491.2.4.1.1.6.1.1.0 and iso.3.6.1.4.1.4491.2.4.1.1.6.1.2.0 SNMP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20401 affects Zoom 5352 video conferencing devices running firmware version 5.5.8.6Y and potentially other affected models. This security flaw resides within the device's Simple Network Management Protocol implementation, specifically exposing sensitive credential information through improperly secured SNMP object identifiers. The affected device configuration allows unauthorized remote attackers to access authentication credentials by making specific SNMP requests to well-known object identifiers that should remain protected. This represents a critical exposure in networked video conferencing infrastructure where device credentials are stored in accessible locations.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient access controls within the SNMP agent implementation on the Zoom 5352 device. When attackers send SNMP GET requests to the specific object identifiers iso.3.6.1.4.1.4491.2.4.1.1.6.1.1.0 and iso.3.6.1.4.1.4491.2.4.1.1.6.1.2.0, the device responds with credential information without proper authentication checks. These object identifiers correspond to system configuration parameters that should be protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in the device's information disclosure mechanism, specifically related to improper restriction of information flow, which aligns with CWE-200. This type of exposure allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to authentication credentials that could be used to compromise the device and potentially the broader network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate device compromise, as it provides attackers with the means to establish persistent access to video conferencing systems. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can manipulate device settings, monitor network traffic, and potentially use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Zoom 5352 devices for video conferencing and collaboration, potentially exposing sensitive meeting content, device management interfaces, and network configurations. This type of exposure is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where video conferencing systems are often integrated with corporate networks and may contain access to internal resources. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed deployments.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Zoom to address the SNMP credential exposure issue. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate video conferencing devices from critical network segments, and access controls should be enforced through proper SNMP configuration with read-only community strings and restricted access. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service discovery, highlighting the reconnaissance and privilege escalation capabilities that attackers can exploit. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized SNMP traffic patterns and anomalous access to device management interfaces. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of networked devices and implement network access controls to prevent unauthorized SNMP queries from external sources, ensuring that only authorized management systems can access device configuration information.