CVE-2022-1400 in CMDB
Summary
by MITRE • 08/17/2022
Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerability in the WebReportsApi.dll of Exago Web Reports, as used in the Device42 Asset Management Appliance, allows an attacker to leak session IDs and elevate privileges. This issue affects: Device42 CMDB versions prior to 18.01.00.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2022
The CVE-2022-1400 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Device42 Asset Management Appliance that stems from the improper handling of cryptographic keys within the WebReportsApi.dll component. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-320 category, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys in software implementations. The flaw manifests when the application employs static cryptographic keys that are embedded directly within the source code or configuration files, making them easily accessible to attackers who can extract these keys through various reconnaissance techniques. The Device42 appliance, which serves as a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) solution, relies on these hardcoded keys for session management and authentication processes, creating a fundamental weakness in the system's security architecture. This particular vulnerability affects all Device42 CMDB versions prior to 18.01.00, indicating that the developers identified and addressed this issue in their subsequent releases, highlighting the importance of regular security updates and patch management practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to perform session hijacking and privilege escalation attacks by leveraging the hard-coded cryptographic keys to forge valid session identifiers and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. When an attacker successfully extracts these cryptographic keys, they can generate valid session tokens that bypass normal authentication mechanisms, allowing them to impersonate legitimate users and potentially gain elevated privileges within the system. This capability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the integrity of the authentication system. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as attackers can manipulate session IDs to perform actions that should be restricted to authorized personnel, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or complete administrative control over the Device42 appliance. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various means including the extraction of hardcoded credentials and cryptographic keys from applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-1400 is severe for organizations relying on Device42 for asset management and configuration tracking, as it creates a persistent security risk that can remain undetected for extended periods. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to critical asset information, potential data breaches, and compromised integrity of their configuration management database. The vulnerability's presence in versions prior to 18.01.00 suggests that this was a known issue that required remediation through proper cryptographic key management practices. Security teams should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the patched version 18.01.00 or later, conducting thorough security assessments of the affected systems, and monitoring for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for cryptographic key management, which emphasize the use of dynamic key generation and proper key storage mechanisms instead of hardcoded values. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that cryptographic keys are properly rotated and managed according to industry best practices.