CVE-2020-7515 in Easergy Builder
Summary
by MITRE
A CWE-321: Use of hard-coded cryptographic key stored in cleartext vulnerability exists in Easergy Builder (Version 1.4.7.2 and older) which could allow an attacker to decrypt a password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7515 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in Easergy Builder version 1.4.7.2 and earlier releases. This flaw manifests as a CWE-321 issue where cryptographic keys are hardcoded directly into the application's source code or configuration files in cleartext format. The presence of such hard-coded credentials creates a fundamental security weakness that significantly undermines the overall security posture of the affected system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the password encryption mechanisms within the software, allowing unauthorized parties to potentially access sensitive authentication data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the inclusion of cryptographic keys within the application's binary or configuration files without proper obfuscation or encryption. When developers embed keys directly into the codebase, they create a situation where any individual with access to the application files can extract these keys and subsequently decrypt password hashes or encrypted credentials. This approach violates fundamental security principles of key management and demonstrates poor implementation practices that align with the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics. The cleartext storage of cryptographic material directly enables adversaries to perform credential stuffing attacks or gain unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password exposure, as it provides attackers with potential access to additional system resources and administrative functions. Once an attacker obtains the hard-coded key, they can decrypt not only passwords but potentially other sensitive data that was protected using the same cryptographic mechanism. This creates a cascading security risk where the compromise of a single cryptographic key can lead to broader system infiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations using Easergy Builder in industrial control environments where security is paramount, potentially exposing critical infrastructure to unauthorized access and manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7515 require immediate remediation through software updates to versions that address the hardcoded key issue. Organizations should implement proper key management practices including the use of secure key storage solutions, hardware security modules, or encrypted configuration files. The implementation of dynamic key generation and rotation mechanisms helps prevent the static nature of the vulnerability. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews to identify any other instances of hardcoded credentials throughout the application ecosystem. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the blast radius of potential exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP top ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing the need for proper cryptographic key management and the elimination of hard-coded secrets in software applications.