CVE-2022-30285 in KACE Systems Management Appliance
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2022
In Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance (SMA) through 12.0, a hash collision is possible during authentication. This may allow authentication with invalid credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2022
The Quest KACE Systems Management Appliance version 12.0 contains a critical hash collision vulnerability that fundamentally undermines its authentication mechanism. This weakness exists within the cryptographic implementation used during user authentication processes, creating a scenario where attackers can exploit hash collision properties to bypass legitimate authentication checks. The vulnerability affects the appliance's ability to properly validate user credentials, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and management functions.
This technical flaw represents a significant weakness in the appliance's security architecture, specifically within its hash function implementation. The hash collision occurs during the authentication phase when the system processes user credentials through a hashing algorithm that does not adequately resist collision attacks. According to CWE-327, this vulnerability falls under weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of cryptographic functions. The issue stems from the use of a hash function that is susceptible to collision attacks, where two different inputs can produce identical hash outputs, enabling attackers to substitute valid credentials with invalid ones that hash to the same value.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it compromises the integrity of the entire authentication framework. An attacker exploiting this weakness could gain administrative privileges without proper authorization, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the appliance's ability to maintain secure access controls, making it possible for malicious actors to perform unauthorized operations including system configuration changes, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. This risk is particularly concerning given that the KACE SMA serves as a centralized management platform for enterprise environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to critical infrastructure.
Organizations utilizing Quest KACE SMA version 12.0 should immediately implement mitigations including applying vendor-provided patches, strengthening network segmentation around the appliance, and implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as attackers can leverage this weakness to obtain legitimate access to the system. Security teams should also consider monitoring authentication logs for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify potential unauthorized access that may have already occurred. The remediation approach should include not only patching the specific hash collision vulnerability but also reviewing and strengthening the overall cryptographic implementation to prevent similar weaknesses in other system components.