CVE-2019-4392 in AppScan
Summary
by MITRE
HCL AppScan Standard Edition 9.0.3.13 and earlier uses hard-coded credentials which can be exploited by attackers to get unauthorized access to the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2024
HCL AppScan Standard Edition version 9.0.3.13 and earlier contains a critical security flaw that stems from the inclusion of hard-coded credentials within the software implementation. This vulnerability represents a fundamental weakness in the application's authentication mechanism where default usernames and passwords are embedded directly into the codebase rather than being dynamically generated or securely stored. The presence of such hard-coded credentials creates a persistent security risk that remains unchanged regardless of system configuration or deployment environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software applications. Attackers can exploit this flaw by simply accessing the application's source code, configuration files, or through reverse engineering techniques to discover the embedded credentials. Once obtained, these credentials provide unauthorized access to the system's administrative functions, potentially enabling attackers to perform privileged operations such as modifying scan configurations, accessing sensitive test results, or manipulating the application's core functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the standard edition of the application, which is widely deployed across enterprise environments for security testing purposes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent backdoor that remains active throughout the application's lifecycle. Security teams and system administrators face significant challenges in mitigating this risk since the credentials are not easily removable or changeable through standard configuration processes. The vulnerability essentially undermines the integrity of the entire security testing framework, as an attacker who gains access through these hard-coded credentials can potentially compromise the security posture of the entire organization by accessing sensitive scan data, modifying test parameters, or even using the application to conduct unauthorized security assessments against other systems. This scenario creates a dangerous situation where the security tool becomes a vector for exploitation rather than a protective mechanism.
Organizations utilizing HCL AppScan Standard Edition should immediately implement multiple mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the software where hard-coded credentials have been removed or properly secured through dynamic credential generation. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of their deployment environments to ensure no unauthorized access has occurred through this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact if credentials are compromised. The remediation process must also include monitoring for suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability would likely violate security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001, which require proper credential management and access control mechanisms to protect against unauthorized system access. Organizations should also consider implementing continuous monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs to track any unauthorized access attempts that may have occurred during the vulnerability's existence period.