CVE-2020-5723 in UCM6200
Summary
by MITRE
The UCM6200 series 1.0.20.22 and below stores unencrypted user passwords in an SQLite database. This could allow an attacker to retrieve all passwords and possibly gain elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2024
The CVE-2020-5723 vulnerability affects the UCM6200 series phone system firmware versions 1.0.20.22 and below, presenting a critical security weakness in how user credentials are stored and managed. This flaw represents a fundamental failure in secure credential handling practices, where sensitive authentication data is persisted in an unencrypted format within the device's local storage infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the SQLite database component that serves as the persistent storage layer for user account information, creating an exploitable condition that directly violates established security principles for credential management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the device's design decision to store user passwords in plain text format within the SQLite database without any form of encryption or hashing mechanisms. This approach creates a direct attack surface where any entity with access to the device's file system or database files can immediately retrieve all stored passwords. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor adherence to security best practices outlined in industry standards such as CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The vulnerability enables an attacker with local access to the system to extract authentication credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and persistent access to the affected system. Once an attacker retrieves the stored passwords, they can authenticate as legitimate users and potentially gain administrative access to the phone system, which would provide control over call routing, user management, and other critical telephony functions. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, while also supporting lateral movement and persistence activities that attackers might employ to maintain access. The risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where phone systems often serve as entry points for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to versions that properly encrypt stored credentials and implement secure password handling mechanisms. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected UCM6200 devices within their network infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. Additionally, system administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to these devices and establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security controls, specifically addressing the need for secure authentication and session management. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar storage vulnerabilities in other networked devices and systems.