CVE-2022-47892 in Netman-204
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
All versions of NetMan 204 could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to read a file (config.cgi) containing sensitive information, like credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-47892 affects all versions of NetMan 204 network management software, presenting a critical security risk that enables unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive configuration files. This flaw represents a significant weakness in the software's access control mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to bypass authentication requirements and directly retrieve critical system information. The vulnerability specifically targets the config.cgi file which contains sensitive credentials and configuration data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure. This issue falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing improper access control that permits unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient authentication checks within the NetMan 204 software architecture. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending crafted requests to the affected system without requiring any valid credentials or authentication tokens. The system fails to properly verify the identity of requesting entities before granting access to sensitive configuration files, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged from any network location. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 (Data from Configuration Repository) and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference where attackers can directly access files through predictable paths or parameters. The flaw exists in the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the device or network.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-47892 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as the compromised config.cgi file typically contains administrative credentials, network configuration parameters, and potentially other sensitive system data. This exposure creates multiple downstream risks including unauthorized network access, privilege escalation opportunities, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. Organizations using affected NetMan 204 systems may face complete compromise of their network management capabilities, as attackers can leverage stolen credentials to gain full administrative control over network devices. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the internet, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed network management interfaces. This issue directly violates security principles outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 controls related to access control and information system monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-47892 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected NetMan 204 installations to ensure the vulnerability is resolved at the source. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate management interfaces from general network traffic, reducing the attack surface available to remote attackers. Access control measures including firewall rules that restrict access to management ports and services should be implemented to prevent unauthorized remote access. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive network audits to identify any other systems running vulnerable versions of NetMan 204 and ensure that all network management interfaces are properly secured. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar access control weaknesses in other network management systems. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious access attempts to the configuration files. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.