CVE-2020-8956 in Pulse Secure Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 10/27/2020
Pulse Secure Desktop Client 9.0Rx before 9.0R5 and 9.1Rx before 9.1R4 on Windows reveals users' passwords if Save Settings is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2020
The Pulse Secure Desktop Client vulnerability CVE-2020-8956 represents a critical security flaw in the Windows version of the Pulse Connect Secure client software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 9.0Rx prior to 9.0R5 and 9.1Rx prior to 9.1R4, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this secure remote access solution. The flaw manifests when users enable the Save Settings functionality, which is commonly utilized to maintain persistent connection configurations and credentials for convenience. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication data within the client application's configuration storage mechanisms, creating a direct pathway for credential exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the client's insecure storage of user credentials when the Save Settings feature is activated. When users configure their connection settings and elect to save them, the application fails to properly encrypt or obfuscate the password information within the configuration files. This weakness allows local attackers with access to the victim's system to directly read the saved credentials from the client's configuration storage areas. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level rather than requiring network-based exploitation, making it accessible to attackers who have already gained local system access or who can manipulate the victim's environment through social engineering or other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-8956 extends beyond simple credential theft, creating potential for broader security compromise within enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing Pulse Secure clients for remote access may find their network perimeter vulnerable to insider threats, compromised user accounts, or lateral movement by attackers who exploit this weakness. The vulnerability affects organizations across multiple sectors including finance, healthcare, and government agencies that rely on secure remote access solutions, potentially exposing sensitive data and systems to unauthorized access. Security incident response becomes significantly more complex when this vulnerability is present, as it may not be immediately apparent through standard network monitoring or intrusion detection systems, since the credential exposure occurs locally on the client system rather than through network traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8956 primarily focus on immediate software updates and configuration changes. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Pulse Secure Desktop Client versions 9.0R5 or 9.1R4, which contain the necessary patches to address the insecure credential storage implementation. System administrators should also consider disabling the Save Settings feature for users who do not require persistent connection configurations, thereby eliminating the attack surface associated with credential persistence. Additionally, implementing comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized access to client configuration files and establishing privileged access controls can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1555.003, which covers credentials from password stores, highlighting the need for proper credential management practices and secure storage mechanisms within client applications.