CVE-2019-19898 in EasyInstall
Summary
by MITRE
In IXP EasyInstall 6.2.13723, there are cleartext credentials in network communication on TCP port 20050 when using the Administrator console remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19898 resides within IXP EasyInstall version 6.2.13723, specifically affecting the remote Administrator console functionality. This issue manifests through insecure network communication practices that expose sensitive authentication credentials in plaintext format. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates on TCP port 20050, which serves as the primary communication channel for administrative functions within the system. When administrators access the console remotely, the authentication mechanisms fail to implement proper encryption protocols, leaving user credentials susceptible to interception and exploitation by malicious actors positioned within the network.
The technical flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's network security architecture, directly violating established security principles for remote administration. The cleartext transmission of credentials occurs during the initial authentication handshake process, where usernames and passwords are sent unencrypted across the network. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission, and also relates to CWE-522, addressing insufficiently protected credentials. The flaw essentially provides attackers with a direct pathway to obtain administrative access without requiring additional exploitation techniques, as the credentials are readily available in the network traffic for anyone who can intercept the communication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of systems running IXP EasyInstall 6.2.13723. Remote attackers who can observe network traffic on port 20050 gain immediate access to administrative accounts, potentially enabling them to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple administrators may be accessing the system remotely, creating numerous potential attack vectors. The exposure of administrative credentials through cleartext communication also violates several ATT&CK techniques including T1075, which covers the use of legitimate credentials for lateral movement, and T1566, addressing credential harvesting through network traffic interception.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to protect their systems from potential exploitation. The primary recommendation involves implementing network segmentation to isolate the port 20050 communication channel from untrusted networks, combined with the deployment of network monitoring tools to detect and alert on cleartext credential transmission. Additionally, administrators should be encouraged to use VPN connections or other encrypted tunnels when accessing the remote Administrator console to ensure that credentials are protected during transmission. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a newer version of IXP EasyInstall that implements proper encryption protocols for all administrative communications, as this addresses the root cause rather than merely mitigating the symptoms of the vulnerability.