CVE-2019-20074 in DL4323
Summary
by MITRE
On Netis DL4323 devices, any user role can view sensitive information, such as a user password or the FTP password, via the form2saveConf.cgi page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20074 affects Netis DL4323 network devices, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the security posture of these industrial networking appliances. This issue stems from inadequate access controls and improper input validation within the device's web interface, specifically exposing sensitive configuration data through a seemingly benign administrative endpoint. The vulnerability resides in the form2saveConf.cgi page which fails to properly authenticate or authorize user requests, allowing unauthorized access to confidential information that should be restricted to privileged users only.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper access control mechanisms within the device's web application framework. When users navigate to the form2saveConf.cgi page, the system does not validate whether the requesting user possesses appropriate privileges to access or view the sensitive configuration parameters. This weakness creates a path for any authenticated user, regardless of their role or permission level, to retrieve critical system information including administrative passwords and ftp credentials. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring specialized tools or advanced technical knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating significant security risks for organizations relying on Netis DL4323 devices for network infrastructure management. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to administrative credentials, potentially enabling them to take full control of the affected devices. This access could allow for network disruption, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The exposure of ftp passwords specifically creates opportunities for attackers to compromise additional systems within the network that may rely on these credentials for file transfers or remote access operations.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and CWE-312, which covers exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage or transmission. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as attackers can leverage the exposed credentials to maintain persistent access to the compromised devices. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling unnecessary web interfaces, enforcing strict access controls, and ensuring that all administrative credentials are regularly rotated. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces, while device firmware updates should be applied to address the underlying access control implementation flaws. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper authentication and authorization mechanisms in network infrastructure devices, particularly those handling sensitive operational data.