CVE-2020-3281 in Digital Network Architecture
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the audit logging component of Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to view sensitive information in clear text. The vulnerability is due to the storage of certain unencrypted credentials. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by accessing the audit logs and obtaining credentials that they may not normally have access to. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to use those credentials to discover and manage network devices.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-3281 resides within the audit logging functionality of Cisco Digital Network Architecture DNA Center, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of credential protection mechanisms. This issue affects organizations utilizing Cisco DNA Center for network management and automation, where the audit logging component is designed to track user activities and system events. The flaw manifests when the system stores sensitive authentication credentials in an unencrypted format within its audit logs, creating a persistent security risk that persists even after normal operational procedures have concluded. The vulnerability stems from inadequate encryption practices during log data storage, violating fundamental security principles that require sensitive information to remain protected at all times.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker who can access the audit logging component of the DNA Center system. Once authenticated, the attacker can navigate to the audit log files and extract stored credentials that are presented in clear text format. This weakness directly relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper encryption or storage of credentials. The attacker does not need advanced technical skills to exploit this vulnerability, as it leverages legitimate access paths within the system architecture. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor within the system's own logging infrastructure, where the very mechanism designed to monitor and track user activities becomes a vector for credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to network devices and potentially escalate their privileges within the network infrastructure. When attackers obtain these unencrypted credentials, they can use them to authenticate to network devices, discover network topology information, and perform administrative functions on network equipment. This capability allows for comprehensive network reconnaissance and unauthorized management of critical network infrastructure components. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on DNA Center for network automation, as it provides attackers with a persistent means of accessing network resources that would otherwise require more sophisticated attack vectors or additional authentication bypass techniques.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by ensuring that all sensitive data stored in audit logs is properly encrypted both at rest and in transit. The recommended approach involves configuring the DNA Center system to enforce encryption of all credential data within audit logs, preventing clear text storage of authentication information. Security teams should also implement strict access controls and monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts to audit log files. Network segmentation and privilege separation practices can help limit the potential impact of credential exposure, while regular security audits should verify that encryption mechanisms are properly functioning. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which involves credential access, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing additional logging and monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous access patterns to audit log files, as this represents a key indicator of potential exploitation attempts.