CVE-2020-15332 in CloudCNM SecuManager
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2022
Zyxel CloudCNM SecuManager 3.1.0 and 3.1.1 has weak /opt/axess/etc/default/axess permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15332 affects Zyxel CloudCNM SecuManager versions 3.1.0 and 3.1.1, representing a critical security weakness in the permission configuration of the axess component within the system. This issue stems from improper file system permissions that allow unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, specifically located at /opt/axess/etc/default/axess. The flaw demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege, where system components are granted unnecessary access rights that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain elevated privileges or extract sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper configuration of file permissions for critical system files that contain sensitive operational data and configuration parameters. When file permissions are set incorrectly, they can allow users or processes with minimal privileges to read, modify, or execute files that should be restricted to administrative or system-level access only. This particular weakness falls under the category of insecure file permissions as classified by CWE-732, which directly relates to inadequate access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in the system's security architecture where the default configuration does not properly enforce access controls, creating a potential attack vector for privilege escalation or information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to compromise the entire system. An attacker who gains access to the axess configuration files could potentially extract authentication credentials, system parameters, or other sensitive data that could be used for further exploitation. This weakness could enable adversaries to escalate privileges, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core management component of the Zyxel CloudCNM SecuManager, which is designed to provide network security management and monitoring capabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as privilege escalation and credential access, where adversaries can leverage weak permissions to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation of the file system permissions and implementation of proper access control policies. System administrators should immediately review and correct the permissions on the /opt/axess/etc/default/axess file to ensure that only authorized system processes and administrators can access these critical configuration files. The recommended approach involves setting restrictive permissions that limit access to the root user or specific administrative accounts while ensuring that the application functions properly. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security audits to identify and correct similar permission misconfigurations across their network infrastructure. This vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and proper configuration management, which are fundamental requirements in cybersecurity frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unauthorized access attempts or permission changes to critical system files, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.