CVE-2018-5354 in Password Reset Client
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2020
The custom GINA/CP module in ANIXIS Password Reset Client before version 3.22 allows remote attackers to execute code and escalate privileges via spoofing. When the client is configured to use HTTP, it does not authenticate the intended server before opening a browser window. An unauthenticated attacker capable of conducting a spoofing attack can redirect the browser to gain execution in the context of the WinLogon.exe process. If Network Level Authentication is not enforced, the vulnerability can be exploited via RDP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2020
The CVE-2018-5354 vulnerability resides within the ANIXIS Password Reset Client software, specifically targeting the custom GINA/CP module implementation that handles authentication processes. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the Windows authentication framework where the client fails to properly validate server identities during HTTP communication sessions. The vulnerability manifests when the password reset client is configured to utilize HTTP protocols instead of more secure HTTPS alternatives, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate the authentication flow. The issue stems from inadequate server authentication mechanisms that permit arbitrary redirection without proper verification of the server's authenticity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated spoofing attack vector that leverages the client's trust in the authentication process. When the ANIXIS Password Reset Client establishes an HTTP connection, it does not implement certificate validation or server identity verification before initiating browser windows for authentication. This creates a window of opportunity where attackers can intercept network traffic and redirect the browser to malicious endpoints. The exploitation requires the attacker to be positioned within the network to conduct the spoofing attack, typically through man-in-the-middle techniques or DNS cache poisoning methods that allow them to redirect traffic intended for legitimate servers to attacker-controlled systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the WinLogon.exe process context, which operates with elevated privileges, making successful exploitation equivalent to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5354 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. The attack can result in unauthorized access to privileged accounts and potentially full system control when combined with other exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer, meaning that successful exploitation can bypass traditional security controls and provide attackers with persistent access to network resources. When Network Level Authentication is not enforced, the vulnerability becomes even more severe as remote desktop protocol connections can be leveraged to deliver the spoofing attack, expanding the attack surface significantly. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and can lead to widespread compromise of user accounts and system integrity.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including enforcing HTTPS connections for all authentication processes, disabling HTTP-based authentication where possible, and implementing network-level controls to prevent unauthorized redirection attacks. The remediation strategy must include updating to ANIXIS Password Reset Client version 3.22 or later, which addresses the server authentication flaws in the GINA/CP module. Security controls should also incorporate network monitoring for suspicious DNS resolution patterns and implement certificate pinning mechanisms to prevent unauthorized server impersonation. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation, and represents a significant concern under ATT&CK technique T1550.001 for use of valid accounts and T1070.004 for indicator removal. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication flow validation and server identity verification in security-critical applications, particularly those operating at the Windows authentication layer where privilege escalation opportunities can lead to complete system compromise.