CVE-2022-43935 in SANnav
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2024
An information exposure through log file vulnerability exists in Brocade SANnav before Brocade SANnav 2.2.2, where Brocade Fabric OS Switch passwords and authorization IDs are printed in the embedded MLS DB file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-43935 represents a critical information exposure flaw within Brocade SANnav software versions prior to 2.2.2. This security weakness stems from improper handling of sensitive authentication data within the system's embedded MLS database file, creating a significant risk for enterprise storage network environments that rely on Brocade switching infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically affects Brocade Fabric OS Switch implementations where authentication credentials are inadvertently logged in plaintext format within database files accessible to unauthorized parties. This flaw constitutes a direct violation of security best practices for credential protection and demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization within the application's logging mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper logging of sensitive data, and represents a classic case of credential leakage through insecure data handling. The flaw operates by allowing the embedded MLS database to store authentication credentials including switch passwords and authorization IDs in plaintext format, making these sensitive elements accessible to any entity with access to the database file. This vulnerability manifests when the system generates log entries containing authentication information, which are then persisted in the MLS database without proper sanitization or encryption. The operational impact is particularly severe given that Fabric OS switches serve as critical network infrastructure components where unauthorized access to authentication credentials could lead to complete network compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the storage area network environment.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple credential exposure to encompass potential lateral movement and persistent access within enterprise storage networks. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to multiple network components through stolen switch credentials, potentially compromising the entire storage infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence through system operations means that once exploited, the attacker maintains access until the database files are properly secured or the system is updated. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1562.001 which covers "T1562.001 - Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools" and T1078.002 which covers "T1078.002 - Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts" in the context of unauthorized access to network infrastructure. Organizations utilizing Brocade SANnav software in production environments face significant risk of unauthorized access to their storage networks, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to Brocade SANnav 2.2.2 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper credential sanitization in logging mechanisms. Additional protective measures include implementing strict file system access controls on MLS database files, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to database files, and conducting comprehensive security audits of storage network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential handling in network infrastructure software, emphasizing the need for secure coding practices that prevent sensitive data from being stored in plaintext within system logs or database files. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all authentication credentials are properly protected through encryption and access control measures. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security requirements for handling authentication data within enterprise network infrastructure components and the necessity of regular security updates to address known vulnerabilities in storage networking equipment.