CVE-2022-0652 in UTM
Summary
by MITRE • 03/22/2022
Confd log files contain local users', including root’s, SHA512crypt password hashes with insecure access permissions. This allows a local attacker to attempt off-line brute-force attacks against these password hashes in Sophos UTM before version 9.710.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0652 represents a critical security flaw in Sophos UTM versions prior to 9.710 where confd log files inadvertently expose sensitive authentication data through the inclusion of SHA512crypt password hashes for local users including the root account. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the logging subsystem that fails to adequately protect sensitive credential information from unauthorized access. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in privilege separation and data protection principles, creating an avenue for local attackers to obtain password hashes that would otherwise remain protected within secure system components.
This vulnerability operates through a combination of insecure file permissions and inadequate logging practices that result in the persistence of cryptographic password hashes in log files accessible to local users. The SHA512crypt algorithm, while considered robust when properly implemented, becomes effectively compromised when the salted hash values are exposed to attackers who can then perform offline brute-force or dictionary attacks against these credentials. The exposure of root password hashes specifically creates a severe escalation path for local attackers who can leverage these credentials to gain full administrative control over the affected system. This represents a classic case of information disclosure vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure credential handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0652 extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Local attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this vulnerability to obtain root access, effectively neutralizing the system's security posture and providing a persistent backdoor for further malicious activity. The vulnerability affects the broader attack surface by enabling credential reuse attacks and potentially allowing attackers to establish long-term access to network infrastructure. From an attacker perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-reward vector that aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the use of valid accounts and credential dumping techniques.
Security professionals should implement immediate remediation measures including upgrading to Sophos UTM version 9.710 or later, which addresses the insecure file permissions and logging configurations. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of log file permissions and access controls to ensure that sensitive information is not exposed through similar mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper information classification and access control implementation, aligning with CWE-276 which addresses insecure file permissions and improper access control. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive log files and establish baseline security configurations that prevent the exposure of authentication data through logging mechanisms.