CVE-2019-15023 in Inspector
Summary
by MITRE
A security vulnerability exists in Zingbox Inspector versions 1.294 and earlier, that results in passwords for 3rd party integrations being stored in cleartext in device configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15023 represents a critical security flaw in Zingbox Inspector software versions 1.294 and earlier, where third-party integration passwords are stored in plaintext within device configuration files. This weakness stems from inadequate cryptographic protection mechanisms during the password storage process, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on the platform for network security monitoring and threat detection. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential handling and data protection, as sensitive authentication information is exposed in an easily readable format without any form of encryption or obfuscation.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a failure to implement proper password encryption or hashing mechanisms within the application's configuration management system. When administrators configure third-party integrations such as SIEM systems, cloud services, or other security tools, the passwords entered during setup are persisted in the device configuration files using cleartext storage methods. This design flaw allows any individual with access to the configuration files to directly read and extract these passwords, effectively compromising the security of all integrated systems. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage of credentials, making it a direct descendant of well-established security weaknesses that have been documented in numerous security frameworks and standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations using Zingbox Inspector. Attackers who gain access to the device configuration files can immediately leverage these cleartext passwords to authenticate to third-party systems, potentially gaining unauthorized access to critical infrastructure, cloud resources, or security monitoring tools. This creates a chain reaction effect where a single compromised device can lead to broader network infiltration, as the exposed credentials may provide access to multiple systems within the organization's ecosystem. The vulnerability also creates challenges for compliance with security standards such as iso 27001, pci dss, and nist cybersecurity framework, which require proper protection of sensitive information and authentication credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15023 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the cleartext storage issue. Organizations must implement comprehensive password rotation procedures for all third-party integrations that may have been configured using vulnerable versions of the software. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of device configuration files to identify any exposed credentials and implement access controls to limit who can read these sensitive configuration files. The remediation process should include implementing proper encryption mechanisms for password storage, adopting secure configuration management practices, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts to configuration files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls for system administrators and establishing regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their security infrastructure. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices outlined in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly in the credential access and defense evasion domains where cleartext credential storage represents a common attack vector that adversaries frequently exploit.