CVE-2020-8583 in Element Software
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2020
Element Software versions prior to 12.2 and HCI versions prior to 1.8P1 are susceptible to a vulnerability which could allow an attacker to discover sensitive information by intercepting its transmission within an https session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8583 affects Element Software versions before 12.2 and HCI versions before 1.8P1, representing a critical information disclosure weakness that undermines the security of encrypted communications. This flaw specifically targets the HTTPS session handling mechanisms within these software implementations, creating a pathway for attackers to intercept and analyze transmitted data. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly secure sensitive information during transmission, potentially exposing confidential data to unauthorized parties who can capture network traffic. The issue stems from inadequate cryptographic implementation or misconfiguration in the SSL/TLS handshake process, allowing for potential data leakage through man-in-the-middle attacks or network monitoring activities.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates at the application layer of the OSI model where the Element Software and HCI systems handle secure communication protocols. The flaw likely involves improper certificate validation, weak cipher suite selection, or insufficient entropy in key generation processes that enable attackers to decrypt or intercept sensitive information. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in security implementations, and potentially CWE-295, which covers improper certificate validation. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects enterprise-grade software solutions that typically handle sensitive business data, user credentials, and confidential operational information.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-8583 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities and potentially escalate privileges within affected environments. Organizations using vulnerable versions face risks of intellectual property theft, customer data breaches, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage. The vulnerability's exploitation requires network-level access or the ability to intercept traffic, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security controls are insufficient or compromised. This weakness directly contradicts the principles outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, specifically addressing the protection of information systems and the implementation of secure communication channels.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Element Software and HCI systems to versions 12.2 and 1.8P1 respectively, ensuring that all cryptographic implementations meet current security standards. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect potential interception attempts and establish robust certificate management processes to prevent unauthorized certificate issuance. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing of patched systems to verify that the vulnerability has been fully addressed without introducing new security issues. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough audits of their cryptographic implementations and consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation, enhanced logging, and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar weaknesses from emerging in the future. These measures align with ATT&CK framework techniques related to defense evasion and credential access, ensuring that organizations maintain comprehensive protection against both current and potential future exploitation attempts.