CVE-2019-19397 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE
There is a weak algorithm vulnerability in some Huawei products. The affected products use weak algorithms by default. Attackers may exploit the vulnerability to cause information leaks.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19397 represents a significant cryptographic weakness in certain Huawei networking and telecommunications equipment. This flaw manifests through the implementation of weak cryptographic algorithms that are enabled by default in the affected devices, creating a fundamental security weakness that directly violates established cryptographic best practices and industry standards. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of cryptographic weakness as classified by CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms that can be easily compromised by adversaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Huawei's default configuration of certain cryptographic protocols and algorithms within their networking infrastructure products. When these devices are deployed without proper security hardening, they utilize cryptographic mechanisms that are susceptible to various attacks including brute force, rainbow table attacks, and other cryptanalytic techniques. The weak algorithms typically involve outdated or insufficiently strong encryption methods that provide inadequate protection for sensitive data transmission and storage. This weakness creates a critical attack surface that allows malicious actors to potentially decrypt communications, forge authentication tokens, or extract sensitive information from the affected systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of networks that rely on these Huawei devices. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can potentially intercept and manipulate network traffic, gain unauthorized access to sensitive communications, and compromise the integrity of the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of data flowing through affected networks, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments, government networks, and critical infrastructure deployments. Organizations may experience data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and significant operational disruption when these devices are compromised, as the weak cryptographic implementation provides attackers with a straightforward path to unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19397 require immediate attention from network administrators and security teams responsible for Huawei equipment. The primary recommendation involves updating firmware to versions that address the weak cryptographic implementation and disable the vulnerable algorithms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while conducting thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices within their infrastructure. The remediation process aligns with the NIST SP 800-57 cryptographic standards that mandate the use of strong encryption algorithms and proper key management practices. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing alternative cryptographic solutions and regularly audit their network infrastructure to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through default configurations. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation and the potential consequences of relying on weak algorithms in security-critical network infrastructure components.