CVE-2018-9031 in Sentry
Summary
by MITRE
The login interface on TNLSoftSolutions Sentry Vision 3.x devices provides password disclosure by reading an "if(pwd ==" line in the HTML source code. This means, in effect, that authentication occurs only on the client side.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9031 affects TNLSoftSolutions Sentry Vision 3.x network security devices, representing a critical flaw in the authentication mechanism that fundamentally undermines the security posture of these systems. This weakness stems from a client-side authentication implementation where the device's login interface exposes password information directly within the HTML source code through an "if(pwd ==" line that can be easily read by any user with basic web browsing capabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, making it a prime example of how insecure coding practices can lead to complete bypass of authentication controls.
The technical nature of this flaw demonstrates a severe architectural failure in the device's security design where authentication validation occurs exclusively on the client-side rather than implementing proper server-side verification mechanisms. When users attempt to log in, the system performs password checks within the browser environment rather than transmitting credentials to a secure backend server for proper authentication. This client-side validation approach creates a false sense of security while simultaneously providing attackers with direct access to the password information embedded in the HTML source code. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the fact that this type of information disclosure occurs without any server-side validation, making it trivial for an attacker to extract credentials simply by viewing the page source.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate exposure of login credentials, as it effectively renders the entire authentication system useless for protecting network resources. An attacker with access to the device interface can immediately obtain valid authentication credentials and gain unauthorized access to the system, potentially leading to complete network compromise. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, allowing adversaries to leverage exposed credentials for persistent access. The vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as the device provides no meaningful protection against unauthorized access attempts, making it a prime target for exploitation by both internal and external threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper server-side authentication mechanisms that do not expose password information in client-side code. Organizations should immediately update their Sentry Vision 3.x devices to the latest firmware versions provided by TNLSoftSolutions, as this vulnerability requires a software patch to address the underlying authentication implementation. Additionally, network administrators should implement network segmentation and additional access controls to limit exposure while awaiting patches, and consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for attempts to access exposed credential information. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper authentication design and the critical need for server-side validation of all user credentials to prevent such fundamental security failures that can lead to complete system compromise.