CVE-2022-1342 in Remote Desktop Manager
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2022
A lack of password masking in Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager allows physically proximate attackers to observe sensitive data. A caching issue can cause sensitive fields to sometimes stay revealed when closing and reopening a panel, which could lead to involuntarily disclosing sensitive information. This issue affects: Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager 2022.1.24 version and prior versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1342 represents a critical security flaw in Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager software that exposes sensitive authentication data through inadequate input masking mechanisms. This weakness specifically manifests when users enter passwords or other confidential information into the application's interface, where the system fails to properly obscure these fields during data entry. The vulnerability stems from the application's insufficient implementation of password masking protocols, which are fundamental security controls designed to prevent unauthorized visual access to sensitive information. The flaw is particularly concerning because it creates an attack surface that requires minimal physical proximity to exploit, making it accessible to adversaries who can simply observe the screen while a legitimate user enters credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's handling of sensitive data fields within its graphical user interface components. When users input passwords or other confidential information, the system does not adequately mask these inputs through standard password character replacement mechanisms. This allows attackers who are physically positioned near the target device to observe the actual characters being entered, potentially capturing authentication credentials, API keys, or other sensitive data. The vulnerability extends beyond simple input masking to include a secondary caching issue where sensitive fields can remain visible even after the user has closed and reopened interface panels. This caching behavior creates a persistent exposure window where previously entered sensitive data remains accessible to unauthorized observers who may have gained physical access to the device or who can monitor the screen during brief moments when the interface is active.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-1342 extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager for remote access management. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for environments where physical security controls are inadequate or where unauthorized personnel may have access to devices with the application running. The caching behavior specifically increases the attack surface by creating multiple opportunities for sensitive data exposure, as the system fails to properly clear or mask sensitive fields when transitioning between different interface states. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles established in industry standards such as the CWE-521 weakness category, which specifically addresses weak password requirements and inadequate password masking implementations. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.004, which covers credential access through password dumping and observation techniques, as the vulnerability enables attackers to observe and capture sensitive information through visual means rather than requiring more sophisticated attack vectors.
Organizations utilizing Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager versions 2022.1.24 and earlier must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest available version of the software that includes proper password masking implementation and fixes the caching issue affecting sensitive field visibility. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional physical security controls such as screen privacy filters and monitoring for unauthorized physical access to devices running the vulnerable software. Network-level mitigations including multi-factor authentication and privileged access management solutions can provide additional layers of protection against credential exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and masking in security-sensitive applications, as established in industry best practices and standards such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems that may present similar risks for visual credential capture and sensitive data exposure through inadequate input masking mechanisms.