CVE-2019-5622 in File Transfer Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
Accellion File Transfer Appliance version FTA_8_0_540 suffers from an instance of CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2024
The Accellion File Transfer Appliance represents a critical security vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5622, where the FTA_8_0_540 version contains hardcoded credentials that pose significant risks to organizational security infrastructure. This vulnerability falls under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the dangerous practice of embedding authentication credentials directly within application code or configuration files, making them easily accessible to unauthorized parties. The hardcoded nature of these credentials means that they remain static throughout the system's operational lifecycle, creating persistent attack vectors that can be exploited by threat actors with minimal effort.
The technical flaw manifests when the appliance's configuration files contain hardcoded administrative credentials that are not properly secured or rotated. These credentials are typically embedded within the software's source code or configuration scripts, allowing any individual who can access these files to gain unauthorized administrative access to the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and provides direct access to sensitive system functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply locating the hardcoded credentials within the application's codebase, configuration files, or documentation, eliminating the need for complex exploitation techniques or social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. Organizations relying on the Accellion File Transfer Appliance may experience unauthorized data exfiltration, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The presence of hardcoded credentials also violates fundamental security principles and industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasize the importance of dynamic credential management and secure configuration practices. This vulnerability creates an environment where attackers can maintain persistent access to critical file transfer operations, potentially compromising sensitive data exchanges that organizations depend upon for business continuity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the hardcoded credentials and implement proper credential management practices. Organizations must conduct comprehensive audits of their Accellion appliance configurations to identify and remove any hardcoded credentials from code repositories, configuration files, and documentation. The recommended approach involves implementing dynamic credential management systems that utilize secure vaults, environment variables, or centralized authentication services rather than embedding credentials directly within applications. Security teams should also implement regular security assessments and code reviews to prevent similar issues from emerging in future deployments, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques that focus on credential access and defense evasion. Additionally, organizations should ensure that all system components are regularly updated with the latest security patches provided by Accellion to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen overall security posture.