CVE-2022-38121 in Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 11/10/2022
UPSMON PRO configuration file stores user password in plaintext under public user directory. A remote attacker with general user privilege can access all users‘ and administrators' account names and passwords via this unprotected configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-38121 represents a critical security flaw in the UPSMON PRO software that directly violates fundamental principles of information security and access control. This issue stems from the improper handling of sensitive authentication credentials within the application's configuration management system, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to administrative and user accounts. The vulnerability specifically affects the storage of passwords in plaintext format within a publicly accessible directory, fundamentally undermining the confidentiality and integrity of authentication data. According to CWE-312, this represents a weakness where sensitive data is stored in a manner that makes it readily accessible to unauthorized parties, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a credential access technique through unsecured credential storage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the UPSMON PRO application creates and maintains configuration files that contain user account information including usernames and passwords in clear text format. These files are placed within a directory structure that is accessible to general users or attackers who have gained basic system access, typically through legitimate user accounts or other initial compromise vectors. The plaintext storage approach eliminates any form of cryptographic protection or obfuscation that would normally be expected in secure credential management systems. This flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism where any user with access to the public directory can simply read the configuration file and extract all authentication credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects not just individual user accounts but also administrator credentials, potentially providing attackers with elevated privileges and comprehensive system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate compromise of individual accounts, creating cascading security implications for organizations that deploy this software. Once an attacker gains access to the configuration file, they can perform lateral movement within the network using legitimate administrative credentials, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to critical system functions and resources that would normally be protected by proper authentication mechanisms. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption as attackers can manipulate system configurations, access sensitive data, and potentially establish persistent access through the compromised administrative accounts. This vulnerability also creates compliance issues with security standards such as pci dss, iso 27001, and nist cybersecurity framework, as it represents a clear violation of data protection requirements and access control policies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-38121 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most direct approach involves implementing proper credential storage mechanisms that encrypt or hash password values within configuration files, ensuring that even if the files are accessed by unauthorized users, the actual passwords remain protected. Organizations should also implement proper access controls to restrict directory permissions and ensure that only authorized system processes and administrators can access sensitive configuration files. The solution should include regular security audits of configuration file contents and directory permissions to prevent similar issues from reoccurring. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions that detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive directories and configuration files can provide early warning capabilities. The remediation process should also involve updating the software to versions that address this specific vulnerability through proper credential management implementation, as outlined in the software vendor's security advisory and patch management procedures.