CVE-2020-5865 in Controller
Summary
by MITRE
In versions prior to 3.3.0, the NGINX Controller is configured to communicate with its Postgres database server over unencrypted channels, making the communicated data vulnerable to interception via man-in-the-middle (MiTM) attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2024
The NGINX Controller vulnerability CVE-2020-5865 represents a critical security flaw in the communication protocols between the controller and its underlying PostgreSQL database infrastructure. This vulnerability affects all versions prior to 3.3.0 and fundamentally compromises the confidentiality of data transmitted between these critical system components. The root cause lies in the improper implementation of network security measures that fail to establish encrypted communication channels, leaving sensitive information exposed to potential adversaries who may position themselves between the controller and database server. The vulnerability specifically targets the database communication layer where authentication credentials, configuration data, and operational metrics are transmitted without adequate cryptographic protection.
This security weakness enables adversaries to execute successful man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting and potentially modifying the unencrypted data flow between the NGINX Controller and PostgreSQL database. The implications extend beyond simple data interception to include potential credential theft, unauthorized access to system configurations, and exposure of sensitive operational data that could be leveraged for further attacks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe given that NGINX Controller serves as a critical management component for nginx deployments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise web infrastructure. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in cryptographic protocols where insufficient encryption or absence of encryption creates opportunities for data interception, specifically categorized under CWE-310. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that database credentials and connection parameters are transmitted in plaintext, providing attackers with direct access to backend database resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests in multiple dimensions including potential data breaches, unauthorized system access, and compromised integrity of the controller's operational environment. Organizations utilizing affected versions of NGINX Controller face significant risk exposure during database communication phases, particularly when network traffic traverses untrusted or public networks. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security posture of the entire NGINX ecosystem by creating a persistent attack vector that can be exploited by threat actors with minimal technical sophistication. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1566 Credential Access through Network Sniffing, as adversaries can leverage the unencrypted communication channels to capture sensitive information. The risk is amplified in environments where the controller and database servers are deployed across multiple network segments or when organizations operate in highly regulated industries where data protection compliance is mandatory.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to NGINX Controller version 3.3.0 or later, which addresses the unencrypted communication issue through proper implementation of TLS encryption for database connections. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect and alert on suspicious network traffic patterns that may indicate MiTM activity. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of affected NGINX Controller deployments and ensure proper cryptographic configuration of all database communication channels. The implementation of network access controls and mandatory encryption policies for all inter-system communications provides additional defense layers against exploitation of this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be performed to ensure ongoing compliance with security standards and to identify any potential regressions in cryptographic implementation.