CVE-2021-20995 in Managed Switch
Summary
by MITRE • 05/13/2021
In multiple managed switches by WAGO in different versions the webserver cookies of the web based UI contain user credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-20995 affects multiple managed switches manufactured by WAGO across various software versions. This security flaw resides within the web-based user interface of these network devices, specifically within the implementation of web server cookies that handle authentication and session management. The issue represents a critical weakness in the device's security architecture as it directly exposes user credentials through improperly configured cookie storage mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests when the web server component of the WAGO managed switches stores user authentication credentials within HTTP cookies without adequate protection mechanisms. These cookies contain sensitive information including usernames and passwords, which are transmitted between the client browser and the switch's web interface. The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper encryption, secure flag implementation, orHttpOnly attribute configuration in the cookie headers, allowing attackers to potentially extract these credentials through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle scenarios, cross-site scripting exploits, or by directly examining browser cookie storage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. An attacker who gains access to these exposed credentials can immediately establish unauthorized administrative access to the managed switches, potentially compromising the entire network infrastructure controlled by these devices. This access enables lateral movement within the network, privilege escalation, and the ability to modify network configurations, disable security features, or redirect traffic. The vulnerability affects the CIA triad by compromising confidentiality through credential exposure, integrity through potential unauthorized configuration changes, and availability through possible disruption of network services. Network administrators face significant operational challenges as they must assume that any compromised switch may have been accessed by unauthorized parties, potentially leading to extended periods of undetected compromise.
Organizations utilizing WAGO managed switches should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and firmware updates that address the cookie handling implementation. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual authentication patterns or unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Sensitive Data in Cookies) and represents a specific instance of the broader category of credential exposure through improper session management. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access through web application exploitation and privilege escalation through administrative access. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential cookie interception and ensure that all web-based management interfaces employ secure cookie attributes including secure flags, HttpOnly settings, and proper encryption mechanisms. The incident underscores the importance of proper web application security practices and highlights the critical need for secure session management in network infrastructure devices.