CVE-2024-20503 in Duo Authentication for Epic
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2024
A vulnerability in Cisco Duo Epic for Hyperdrive could allow an authenticated, local attacker to view sensitive information in cleartext on an affected system.
This vulnerability is due to improper storage of an unencrypted registry key. A low-privileged attacker could exploit this vulnerability by viewing or querying the registry key on the affected system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to view sensitive information in cleartext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2024
This vulnerability exists within Cisco Duo Epic for Hyperdrive software where sensitive authentication credentials are stored in an unencrypted registry key format. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the system's data protection mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access to confidential information through simple registry queries. The vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic practices in credential storage, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges. Security researchers have identified that this issue affects systems where the Duo Epic for Hyperdrive component is installed, particularly those running on windows operating systems where registry-based credential storage is implemented.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires only basic local access and registry querying capabilities, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who have already gained low-privileged access to the system. Attackers can directly query the registry entries to extract cleartext credentials without requiring additional authentication or complex attack vectors. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling and storage practices. The registry key containing the sensitive information is not properly encrypted or obfuscated, creating a clear path for credential theft and potential privilege escalation within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to maintain persistent access to systems and potentially escalate their privileges further. Once an attacker obtains cleartext credentials through registry enumeration, they can leverage these to access other system resources, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures. The vulnerability affects the security posture of organizations relying on Cisco Duo Epic for Hyperdrive, as it undermines the principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for lateral movement within networks. This weakness particularly impacts environments where multiple systems share authentication credentials or where the Duo Epic for Hyperdrive component interacts with other security services that rely on these stored credentials.
Organizations should immediately implement registry access controls to limit unauthorized queries to sensitive system areas and deploy encryption mechanisms for all stored credentials. System administrators should conduct comprehensive registry audits to identify and remediate similar storage vulnerabilities across their infrastructure. The implementation of proper credential management practices, including regular credential rotation and the use of secure credential storage solutions, should be prioritized. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized registry access attempts and alert security teams to potential exploitation activities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST SP 800-53 security controls and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials in registry storage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive system hardening and credential protection measures across all organizational assets.