CVE-2020-5315 in Repository Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2021
Dell EMC Repository Manager (DRM) version 3.2 contains a plain-text password storage vulnerability. Proxy server user password is stored in a plain text in a local database. A local authenticated malicious user with access to the local file system may use the exposed password to access the with privileges of the compromised user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5315 affects Dell EMC Repository Manager version 3.2 and represents a critical weakness in credential storage practices that directly undermines system security. This issue manifests through the improper handling of authentication credentials within the application's local database infrastructure, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who gain local access to the system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the proxy server user authentication mechanism where passwords are persistently stored without adequate encryption or obfuscation, violating fundamental security principles that require sensitive data protection at rest.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic measures for password storage, which aligns with CWE-312 - Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. This weakness creates an environment where any authenticated local user with sufficient privileges to access the local file system can directly extract password credentials from the database. The implementation does not utilize industry-standard password hashing mechanisms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or PBKDF2, nor does it employ proper encryption protocols for sensitive data at rest. This design flaw essentially transforms what should be a secure authentication system into a potential gateway for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to network resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, creating a cascading security risk that can compromise entire network infrastructures. A malicious user who gains local access to the DRM system can exploit this weakness to obtain proxy server credentials and subsequently use them to access network resources with the privileges of the compromised user account. This scenario enables unauthorized data exfiltration, system manipulation, and potential lateral movement within the network environment. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on proxy configurations for network access control, as compromised proxy credentials can provide attackers with elevated access to internal systems and services. The risk is compounded by the fact that local access is often easier to obtain through social engineering, physical access, or other initial compromise vectors.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting local file system access to authorized personnel only, implementing robust access controls, and establishing monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of Dell EMC Repository Manager that implements proper password encryption mechanisms and adheres to security best practices for credential storage. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of local file system permissions and implement principle of least privilege access controls to minimize potential exposure. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following established security frameworks such as those defined in the ATT&CK matrix under credential access techniques, where adversaries specifically target weak credential storage mechanisms as a primary exploitation vector. Organizations must also consider implementing additional layers of security including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.