CVE-2020-8968 in Remote Application Server
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2021
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) allows a local attacker to retrieve certain profile password in clear text format by uploading a previously stored cyphered file by Parallels RAS. The confidentiality, availability and integrity of the information of the user could be compromised if an attacker is able to recover the profile password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8968 affects Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) and represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to extract clear text passwords from user profiles through manipulation of previously stored encrypted files. This issue stems from inadequate handling of encrypted data within the RAS environment, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that directly impacts the confidentiality of user credentials. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers upload previously stored encrypted files that contain password information, allowing them to recover sensitive authentication data in plaintext format. This represents a significant breach of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the system's credential management and data protection mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires only local access to the system, making it exploitable by adversaries who have already gained a foothold within the network environment. The vulnerability directly violates security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and undermines the trust model that users place in the RAS platform for secure remote application access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of encrypted file storage mechanisms within Parallels RAS where password information is stored in a format that can be exploited by an attacker with local system access. When the system processes previously stored encrypted files, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the data, allowing an attacker to extract password information that was intended to remain protected. This flaw falls under the category of improper data handling and storage security, where sensitive information is not adequately protected during system operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the system's data protection mechanisms and represents a clear violation of the security principle that encrypted data should remain protected regardless of the file processing operations performed on it. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor within the system's own encryption and decryption processes, allowing local attackers to bypass normal security controls that should prevent information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-8968 extends far beyond simple credential theft, as successful exploitation can lead to complete account compromise and potential lateral movement within the network. Once an attacker has recovered clear text passwords, they can leverage these credentials to access other systems, escalate privileges, and maintain persistent access to the compromised environment. This vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Parallels RAS for remote application delivery, as it provides attackers with direct access to user authentication credentials that can be used for privilege escalation attacks. The confidentiality breach affects all user profiles that have been stored in the system, potentially compromising thousands of accounts if the vulnerability is exploited at scale. The availability aspect of this vulnerability is also concerning, as the compromised system may experience service disruption or degradation due to the unauthorized access and manipulation of stored user data. This type of vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and privilege escalation techniques, where adversaries seek to obtain valid credentials to maintain persistent access to target systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies that include restricting local system access to only authorized personnel, implementing robust access controls, and conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their Parallels RAS deployments. The recommended approach involves applying vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available, implementing network segmentation to limit local access privileges, and establishing monitoring controls to detect suspicious file upload activities. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication for critical user accounts and regular security audits of stored encrypted files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper data protection mechanisms and demonstrates why organizations must maintain vigilance in protecting all aspects of their credential storage systems. System administrators should review and strengthen their security policies regarding local access controls, file handling procedures, and data protection protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other systems. The incident underscores the necessity of regular security assessments and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threat actors. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even systems designed for secure remote access can contain flaws that undermine their security posture, requiring continuous monitoring and proactive security measures to maintain organizational defenses.