CVE-2019-13022 in Bond JetSelect
Summary
by MITRE
Bond JetSelect (all versions) has an issue in the Java class (ENCtool.jar) and corresponding password generation algorithm (used to set initial passwords upon first installation). It XORs the plaintext into the 'encrypted' password that is then stored within the database. These steps are able to be trivially reversed, allowing for escalation of privilege within the JetSelect application through obtaining the passwords of JetSelect administrators. JetSelect administrators have the ability to modify and delete all networking configuration across a vessel, as well as altering network configuration of all managed network devices (switches, routers).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13022 affects Bond JetSelect systems across all versions, specifically targeting the Java-based encryption implementation within the ENCtool.jar library. This flaw represents a fundamental cryptographic failure that undermines the security posture of maritime network infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from a critical design flaw in the password generation algorithm that handles initial administrative credentials during system installation. The implementation employs a trivial XOR operation to obfuscate plaintext passwords, creating a weak encryption mechanism that provides no real security protection. This weakness directly violates security principle CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms, and specifically aligns with CWE-326, concerning the use of weak encryption algorithms. The flaw enables attackers to trivially reverse-engineer stored passwords through simple XOR operations, creating a direct path to administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within maritime network environments where JetSelect systems control critical infrastructure. Administrators possess extensive privileges including the ability to modify and delete all networking configurations across vessels, as well as managing network devices such as switches and routers. This privilege escalation capability allows threat actors to gain complete control over vessel communication systems, potentially enabling network disruption, data exfiltration, or even physical security compromise of maritime operations. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor within the network infrastructure, as the weak encryption mechanism remains exploitable across all system versions. The implications extend beyond simple credential theft, as administrators can manipulate network configurations to redirect traffic, disable security controls, or establish persistent access points within the maritime network ecosystem.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses all Bond JetSelect installations where the ENCtool.jar component is deployed, particularly affecting vessels with network management systems that rely on JetSelect for communication infrastructure control. Attackers can exploit this weakness through passive reconnaissance to identify systems using the vulnerable software, then perform simple reverse engineering to extract administrative credentials from the database. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require advanced technical skills or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by threat actors with minimal expertise. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering attacks, as the vulnerability enables unauthorized access through credential compromise rather than traditional network exploitation. The persistence of this vulnerability across all versions of JetSelect means that organizations cannot rely on simple version updates to resolve the issue, requiring more comprehensive remediation approaches.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the replacement of all affected JetSelect systems with versions that employ proper cryptographic implementations, such as strong hashing algorithms with salted password storage. The recommended remediation approach involves deploying systems that utilize industry-standard encryption mechanisms like AES-256 with proper key management practices, rather than the vulnerable XOR-based obfuscation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network audits to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure proper credential rotation for administrative accounts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation in security-critical systems, particularly within maritime environments where network infrastructure security directly impacts operational safety and security. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation, while continuous monitoring should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts to administrative systems.