CVE-2018-5261 in DiskBoss
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Flexense DiskBoss 8.8.16 and earlier. Due to the usage of plaintext information from the handshake as input for the encryption key used for the encryption of the rest of the session, the server and client disclose sensitive information, such as the authentication credentials, to any man-in-the-middle (MiTM) listener.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5261 resides within Flexense DiskBoss version 8.8.16 and earlier implementations, representing a critical flaw in the cryptographic handshake process that fundamentally undermines session security. This weakness stems from the improper handling of cryptographic keys during the initial authentication phase, where plaintext data from the handshake mechanism is directly utilized to generate encryption keys for subsequent communications. The flaw creates a direct pathway for attackers to intercept and decode sensitive authentication credentials, effectively compromising the entire security posture of the affected system. The vulnerability manifests as a failure to properly implement key derivation functions or cryptographic key exchange protocols, leaving the system susceptible to passive eavesdropping attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability directly violates fundamental principles of secure communication protocols and aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues related to key management and generation. The flaw specifically represents a weakness in key derivation where the system fails to properly transform the handshake plaintext into a secure cryptographic key through appropriate hashing or key stretching mechanisms. During the TLS or SSL handshake process, the system exposes plaintext credentials that should remain protected, allowing any network observer to capture and utilize this information for unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Credential Access tactic, specifically targeting the T1075 credential dumping techniques where attackers can extract authentication information from network communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables comprehensive man-in-the-middle attacks that can escalate to full system compromise. An attacker positioned within the network traffic can not only capture authentication credentials but also potentially decrypt all subsequent communications between the client and server, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects both the client and server components of the DiskBoss application, creating a persistent security risk that remains active throughout the entire session lifecycle. Organizations using affected versions face significant exposure to credential theft attacks, particularly in environments where network traffic is not properly secured through additional layers of encryption or network segmentation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5261 must prioritize immediate software updates to versions that properly implement secure key derivation mechanisms and cryptographic handshake protocols. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate MiTM activity, while also deploying additional security controls such as network segmentation and encrypted communication channels. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and adherence to industry standards such as NIST SP 800-52 for secure key management practices. System administrators should also consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms and regular security assessments to identify similar cryptographic weaknesses in other network applications. Additionally, organizations must ensure that all network communications are protected through proper encryption protocols and that authentication mechanisms are designed to prevent plaintext credential exposure during initial handshake phases. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that the updated system properly implements secure key exchange protocols and that no plaintext information is exposed during the authentication process, ensuring that the vulnerability is fully resolved and cannot be exploited by potential attackers.