CVE-2020-15338 in CloudCNM SecuManager
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2022
Zyxel CloudCNM SecuManager 3.1.0 and 3.1.1 has a "Use of GET Request Method With Sensitive Query Strings" issue for /cnr requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15338 affects Zyxel CloudCNM SecuManager versions 3.1.0 and 3.1.1, specifically concerning the handling of /cnr requests through HTTP GET methods. This issue represents a significant security weakness that exposes sensitive information through improper request handling mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure sensitive data transmitted via GET requests, which are inherently less secure than POST methods due to their visibility in URLs and server logs.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes /cnr requests using the GET HTTP method while including sensitive query parameters in the request string. This design choice violates fundamental security principles for handling confidential information, as GET requests are cached, logged, and potentially exposed through referer headers, making them unsuitable for transmitting sensitive data. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which addresses Information Exposure Through Sent Data, and specifically relates to CWE-312, which covers Sensitive Data Exposure in HTTP GET Requests. The flaw creates an attack surface where malicious actors can intercept and extract sensitive information through simple network monitoring or by exploiting the application's logging mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. When sensitive query strings containing authentication tokens, user credentials, or system information are transmitted via GET requests, attackers can exploit this weakness through various means including man-in-the-middle attacks, server log analysis, or browser history inspection. The exposure of such information could lead to unauthorized access to the SecuManager system, privilege escalation, or further reconnaissance activities that could compromise the entire network security infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS, though the specific implementation involves HTTP GET request handling rather than DNS protocols.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate implementation of secure request handling practices. Organizations should modify the application to utilize POST requests instead of GET requests for sensitive operations, ensuring that all confidential data is transmitted through request bodies rather than URL parameters. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help prevent injection attacks that might exploit the exposed parameters. Network administrators should also conduct comprehensive security audits to identify other instances of similar vulnerabilities within the application or related systems. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of the SecuManager software, implementing proper access controls, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the exposure of sensitive query strings could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical network management functions.